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arborist treatment for oaks and ashes #874118

Asked June 21, 2024, 4:51 PM EDT

I have several 75 yr + burr oaks and two 30-year-old ash trees. I have an arborist with whom I have been working for several years, trimming and maintaining my trees. One of my burr oaks may have a left insect that is defoliating it slowly (he won't know until the fall for sure if that is the case) and he says the ash borer is not yet in my area (SE St. Cloud, but already on the other side of the river. Is there any point in paying for insecticides and root treatments for my trees? My neighbor is working with a different arborist who plans to provide the insecticides ($1000). My arborist says they don't work. Who to believe?

Sherburne County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thank you for reaching out to ask2.extension.

I am not an expert and would not want to argue with either arborist.  You could always contact your county extension office and get their opinion.

I think that is something you have to decide.  If you are ok with the possibility of losing the trees, then don’t treat them.  That is a lot of money and only you can determine if it’s worth it or not.


Deb Kroon Replied June 21, 2024, 9:00 PM EDT
Thank you for your response. My question is really if the treatments are efficacious or snake oil.
Sent from my iPhone

On Jun 21, 2024, at 20:00, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:



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The Question Asker Replied June 22, 2024, 12:56 AM EDT

I honestly can’t answer that.  Hopefully an arborist will give you straight facts and not try to take your money for nothing.  If you trust your guy, I’d go with what he says.

You could also contact your county extension agent for more advice.

Deb Kroon Replied June 22, 2024, 7:16 PM EDT
Thank you. I will contact the local office, who may know more about the situation in Sherburne/Stearns.

I appreciate the advice.

Have a nice weekend,
Shawn

On Jun 22, 2024, at 6:16 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

CAUTION: This e-mail originated from outside the Minnesota State System. Only click links or open attachments from trusted sources. Please report suspicious messages using the "Report Message Button".

The Question Asker Replied June 22, 2024, 7:55 PM EDT

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