mr - Ask Extension
I live in east Boulder county and have 4 mature ash trees on my property. For a variety of reasons do not wish to let them die, and very much want the...
Knowledgebase
mr #875650
Asked July 02, 2024, 12:17 PM EDT
I live in east Boulder county and have 4 mature ash trees on my property. For a variety of reasons do not wish to let them die, and very much want them to flourish. The largest ash showed early signs of ash borer infestation and with neonicotinoid treatment regained its health. I understand the problems with this bug killer and hope to find a viable alternative.
My question: now that the above pesticides are unavailable, what is my alternative? Emamectin benzoate and Azadirachtin can only be applied by a licensed arborist and treatment would cost me as much as $2K every 2 years. This is not possible for me. What can I do please Your advice is appreciated.
Boulder County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Philip,
Here's a link that has a good deal of information for pesticides that treat against EAB.
It's a bit out of date as it still lists imidacloprid. The only other pesticide aside from the ones you mentioned is dinotefuran. Professional application is highly recommended but not required. This might be something that is worth exploring as an option. It should be applied in mid-spring to late-spring (so maybe this could be something you can try next year). Please keep in mind it is against the law to not follow all directions on pesticide labels.
Have you considered shade planting a different variety of tree (plant a small tree that will start to get established with the expectation that the Ash trees will unfortunately begin to declinde from EAB in the future)? Here's a link to a document that has Recommended Trees for Colorado Front Range Communities.
I hope this helps!
Best,
Boulder County Master Gardeners
Here's a link that has a good deal of information for pesticides that treat against EAB.
It's a bit out of date as it still lists imidacloprid. The only other pesticide aside from the ones you mentioned is dinotefuran. Professional application is highly recommended but not required. This might be something that is worth exploring as an option. It should be applied in mid-spring to late-spring (so maybe this could be something you can try next year). Please keep in mind it is against the law to not follow all directions on pesticide labels.
Have you considered shade planting a different variety of tree (plant a small tree that will start to get established with the expectation that the Ash trees will unfortunately begin to declinde from EAB in the future)? Here's a link to a document that has Recommended Trees for Colorado Front Range Communities.
I hope this helps!
Best,
Boulder County Master Gardeners
