“The Green Menace”
ILLINOIS HAS BEEN QUARANTINED
Here’s the deal
Recently, Scott was contacted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture about the Emerald Ash Borer infestation that is currently spreading across the U.S., and the Quarantine of Illinois. Scott was aware of the issue; however the U.S.D.A. representative educated Scott on really how serious the problem is.
Folks, it is very serious, there is a very good chance that the Ash tree will be a thing of the past, very soon. The Emerald Ash Borer is a mean little bug, better known as the “Green Menace”. It lays its eggs in bark crevices and the eggs hatch into larvae that eat the Phloem, the life highway of the tree. After a short time a single tree can have thousands of larvae, eating everything they can until they “choke out” the tree. The time it takes to kill an Ash tree is conditional, as are most things in nature; some go very quickly while others can take a 3 to 4 years.
The Arboriculture Industry is working very hard towards a solution. We want to save our trees. Agencies have developed several different pesticides and devices in which to apply them. Some are up to 80% effective, this is a step in the right direction; however, we need a 100%. If your tree has 100 bugs, you will still have 20 after treatment, which will continue to breed and you will be back to 100.
This Ecological disaster has already devastated Michigan, and it is just a matter of time until it reaches Iowa; it is already only 1 mile away from Northeast Iowa. The USDA has quarantined all Ash tree part’s and all Hardwood firewood leaving the state of Illinois into Iowa. Do not move any Hardwood firewood across the river. They only way you can is if it is certified by the USDA. They are coming, the Bugs, We are trying to stop them. There are tens of millions Ash tree’s already dead. If you have an Ash Tree, or just want to know more go towww.emeraldashborer.info, www.aphis.usda.gov or www.na.fs.fed.us/fhp/eab . These sites have great information, pictures and guides. This information is free and will help you inspect your precious trees.
What you can do
1. DO NOT MOVE FIREWOOD! All hardwood firewood is regulated.
2. Visually inspect your trees, if you feel that your Ash tree is stressed or dying call us.
3. Spread the word; tell everybody you know, there are millions of Ash Tree’s in Iowa.
4. Know the State and Federal regulations. Check out the websites!
5. Ask questions! Again call us, we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.