Tips

Where is the Emaerald Ash Borer (EAB)?

New infestations of EAB are being found throughout Ohio. Click on http://www.agri.ohio.gov/divs/plant/eab/eab-index.aspx to see if your county is in the quarantine area and any other updates.

How is EAB spreading?

The pattern of infestation sites outside northwest Ohio strongly suggests EAB has been spread primarily by people transporting nursery stock and firewood. Transporting firewood from a quarantined area into a non-quarantined area is illegal and can result in a severe fine. Campers and travelers should use only locally obtained firewood to reduce the spread of EAB, gypsy moth, and other pests.

What should I do about my ash trees?

Since the threat of EAB in central Ohio is increasing and the state, due to lack of funding, has ceased eradication efforts, we are recommending homeowners to consider the following:

Remove weak or damaged ash trees.
Treat ash trees important to the landscape to prevent infestation. Note that treatment would need to be done annually and no treatment is 100% effective. Larger trees treated by soil injection or soil drench may not develop a protective level of insecticide until the second year of treatment.
Plant another tree(s) in the area to replace your ash tree when it gets infected

Should newly planted trees be staked and wrapped?

In general, no.
Unless in a very windy site, properly planted deciduous trees and small evergreens should not need to be staked. Large dense evergreens may need staking, but for one year only.
Trunk wraps have not been shown to provide significant benefit.
Loose fitting sleeves of plastic of wire mesh can help protect tree trunks from deer and rodent damage.

Do I need to water my trees and shrubs before winter?

Plants - especially evergreens - need adequate soil moisture to help them survive winter conditions. Special attention should be given to trees and large shrubs planted less than 2 years, and to plants in dry areas such as under eaves and dense tree canopies.

Why is proper mulching important?

Mediates soil temperature and moisture
Increases beneficial soil microbiotics and invertebrate activity (good bugs and worms)
Releases nutrients into the soil and humic acids that improve soil structure
Reduces competition from turf grass and physical abuse by mowers and string trimmers.

What is proper mulching?

A 2 to 3 inch deep layer of organic mulch, compost, shredded bark, or bark/wood mix, bark nuggets, etc.
Should be loosened in the spring and replenished to maintain proper thickness;
Mulch should not be in contact with trunk bark, stems, or root flare;
Mulch rings around trees in turf areas should be as wide as feasible. A suggested guideline is 1 foot of radius per inch of trunk diameter;
No volcano mulching! (Mulch piled up against the tree trunk)

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