As we move into spring and the weather warms up and the leaves start popping out on the trees — a destructive pest is also emerging from winter and putting some trees in danger. Iowa Department of Natural Resources Emerald Ash Borer coordinator, Mike Kitner, says you should start thinking about protecting your ash trees. He says mid-April is the time for people in the emerald ash borer zones to start thinking about protective treatments. Kitner says some very effective treatments have been developed if you want to try and save your ash tree.

“There’s a variety of treatments available — both to the homeowner and also as a professional. The professional treatments are generally geared more toward larger trees,” Kitner says. “Anything above 20 inches in diameter at breast height — with is four-and-a-half feet off the ground — those trees should really be treated by a professional.” He says you should plan now so you don’t miss the optimal window for treatment.

“Studies have shown primarily that treatments are best done in the springtime as opposed to fall. So, you really need to discuss with your provider what options are best for you,” Kitner explains. The D-N-R doesn’t have a list of preferred tree doctors. Kitner’s advice is to ask questions and do a little research to find the best one for you.

“Like anything else with your house, if you are getting a new deck on or whatever, call around check around, go over their references, just do a little homework on who you chose.” Kitner says. “Just do a little homework with who you choose and make sure they explain to you why the are doing it and why it is going to work.” The state is also taking action to combat the emerald ash borer. Kitner says for the first time last year they released wasps that are the enemy of the beetles and kill them.

“Those should be gearing up in about a month or so. We’ll be starting the releases for 2017 and as time goes on, probably more and more sites will be added for the parasitic wasp,” Kitner says. The state has confirmed E-A-B infestations in a total of 45 of the 99 counties in the state.

(Radio Iowa)

The City of Atlantic was recently honored with the 2016 Tree City USA Award at the 27th Annual Community Forestry Awards Luncheon in Des Moines. The award was presented by the Arbor Day Foundation and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Forestry Bureau April 6th at the Forte Banquet & Conference Center.

“The Tree City USA award is a symbol for communities who have made a commitment to the management of public trees,” says state forester Paul Tauke. “The City of Atlantic has provided an outstanding example for other Iowa communities by enhancing our forest resources and demonstrating the great value of trees in providing multiple benefits for future generations.”

Atlantic was one of 80 Iowa communities to qualify for Tree City USA status. To receive the award, a city must, at a minimum, have either a city forester or an active city tree board; have a tree ordinance; spend at least $2 per capita annually for its community forestry program; and have a tree planting and maintenance plan.

left to right:Chuck Gipp, Director of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Seth Staashelm, Atlantic Parks and Recreation Director, John Lund, Atlantic City Administrator, Dolly Bergmann, President of the Atlantic Trees Forever, Dave Bergmann, Atlantic Trees Forever Member, and Paul Tauke, State Forester (Photo provided)