EAB (Emerald Ash Borer) was first confirmed in Wayzata two years ago and has since spread throughout the community. The City’s Parks Department has continued a multi-faceted response to this aggressive pest. Since then, the City has inventoried over 1,600 public trees. Each tree was rated for condition, diameter, species, and visible defects. In this process, 342 public ash trees were identified, with more being cataloged every week.
Using this data, the City determines which trees are worth investing in injection treatment. So far, the City has committed to protecting over 80 ash trees in public areas from the threat of EAB, with approximately 40 more being added to that list this spring. Infested trees that surpass a viability threshold will be removed and ultimately replaced with a more diverse population of trees.
Ash trees which have lost half or more of their bark should be removed as soon as possible as they become very brittle and hazardous soon after succumbing to EAB. If you have any questions regarding the viability of your ash trees, contact the City for a free assessment at parksdepartment@wayzata.org.
For a discounted rate on treatment, contact Rainbow Tree Care at 952 922 3810.
Learn more about EAB at wayzata.org/EAB.