Emerald Ash Borer in Central Wisconsin

OnFocus – Earlier this year, the City of Marshfield declared May 10-16, 2020 Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Awareness Week in an attempt to increase knowledge about the devastating impacts this bug can have on ash trees. Since that time, EAB has crept into the Central Wisconsin area.

“Emerald Ash Borer is a looming threat in Central Wisconsin,” said Certified Arborist Luke Haas, owner of Haas Tree Care, LLC. “We’re beginning to see pockets of dead ash trees in the Wisconsin Rapids and Stevens Point areas.”

Emerald Ash Borer is a harmful insect originating from Asia. Since its discovery in Michigan in 2002, the bug has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees and cost cities, homeowners, nurseries and forest product industries millions of dollars. The bug was discovered in Southeast Wisconsin in 2008 and has since popped up in pockets throughout much of the state.

The bug feeds on ash trees and causes little damage, but the larvae stage kills the trees by feeding underneath the bark and disrupting the transportation of water and nutrients. Any tree not treated for the bug will eventually die.

Although Marshfield has not yet confirmed Emerald Ash Borer within the city limits, local arborists such as Haas have noted its presence in nearby communities.

Community members can also contact the City Forestry Division with any questions or visit the Forestry Division webpage for links to resources and tips about Emerald Ash Borer.

Signs of EAB to watch for – click HERE.

We welcome your stories! Contact us at [email protected]!