City of Norfolk Preparing for Emerald Ash Borer

City of Norfolk Preparing for Emerald Ash Borer
Emerald Ash Borer - Ohio State University

NORFOLK -  Millions of ash trees across 31 states have been effected by the Emerald Ash Borer beetle, and now Norfolk is planning for it as well.

The beetle was last known to be about 75 miles away from Norfolk.  The beetle causes destruction by burrowing under the bark of the tree. This disrupts the flow of nutrients and water, which can eventually kill the tree.

Tree Advisory Board Chairman Tom Surber says that’s a problem.

“They fall over and can fall on things and can fall on people easily,” Surber said.  “So it’s very dangerous.”

The City of Norfolk Park Division has been working with the Norfolk Tree Advisory Board to stay ahead of the Emerald Ash Borer. There are several thousand ash trees that line the streets of Norfolk, including nearly 500 public ash trees. There are some remedies to help older ash trees, although younger trees might have to be removed.

The beetle is out from late April into August. Surber says if someone notices damage to an ash tree and signs of the beetle, they should put the insect in a jar and take it to the State Extension Office for identification.

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