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Emerald Ash Borer

We are easing our way into gardening this year whether we want to or not. The crazy winter weather has left us scrambling not only in our gardens but in our crop fields too. There are many gardeners and farmers alike that are within about 2 hours of us that have not yet turned a wheel on either area. There is plenty of time left for the gardeners. It seems that we often worry about things and they do get done. I have been focusing on my flowering gardens in order to get them done so that when my vegetable garden is ready, I can focus on that too. In the meantime, I have been enjoying sitting on my new porch in between chores and enjoying the weather just a little bit.

We do have one concern, sort of a warning shot, over the top of our heads so to speak, in regard to Emerald Ash borer. It is sort of a waiting game to see if or when it shows up close to us and as many of you probably know, it is in Sioux Falls. This pest is responsible for killing over 1 million ash trees in Chicago alone. However, a word of caution about running around in circle and wringing our hands about this little green pest is that Mom Nature is telling us that we have made a mistake in planting so many ash trees. We need to remember that Mom Nature works best when things are diversified. So, if you are planting a new tree or a new grove, this is the time to rethink planting ash trees. We have so many of them that I think the Emerald Ash borer is just out there licking its lips waiting for someone to help them spread to the next new place.

We have so many incredibly beautiful trees to choose from that we can easily replace any trees that die naturally with something else. It would be a good time to survey your piece of property to see what you do have on the property and what you would do if and when Emerald Ash borer paid a visit. Does your groove have a lot of ash trees? Do you have a lot of ash trees planted in your yard? To what value are they to you? If Emerald ash borer pays us a visit, will you be able to treat them? This will be done every two years. You may need to pick and choose the trees you want to keep. I have three beautiful ash trees right in front of my house. The shade they provide is wonderful. I would choose to save them, but I would not choose to save the few ash trees we have in our groove. I would choose to replace them due to the cost.

So, yes, we need to be vigilant and yes, we can treat those beautiful large ash trees if you don’t mind hiring an arborist to do that for you. I would certainly choose to plant something else right now if I had to plant a tree. It will pay to be vigilant and to remember that we do get attached to our trees especially if it is one that a family planted together, or it is an old tree that has been part of our properties for quite a while.

If you want to go by the numbers, according to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Lyon County has around 15,000-50,000 ash trees, and Lincoln County has around 10,000 to 15,000 ash trees. Next to Sioux Falls, Martin County is the next closest place where Emerald Ash borer is found. Do not move firewood. This is one of the biggest reasons how Emerald Ash borer moves. This is something to remember especially when going camping. If you have some wood left over from your campfire, leave it there for the next person to use. If you think you have Emerald Ash borer, you can visit the Emerald Ash borer webpage at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture at https://www.mda.state.mn.us/emeraldashborer.

For more information, you can reach me at s.dejaeghere@me.com

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