Time to seek treatment for EAB and replace lost trees

If you’ve have ash trees that have been marked for removal due to the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) quarantine in Boulder County, you still have time to schedule treatment to keep your trees from being cut down.

Boulder County removes ash trees that have been flagged with a blue “X” during the colder months between September and April. The cold-weather culling is to avoid spreading the infestation of the EAB, which is not in flight during that time.

Trees can be treated by licensed contractors, and treatment should happen in the springtime when the trees are beginning to leaf out.

It is also a good time to begin planting trees to replace those that have been, or will be, cut down before the weather warms. Mid-March to June 15 and Sept.1 to Oct.15 are the best times in Colorado to plant new trees. Trees can even be planted next to the living ash scheduled to be cut down. Called shadow planting, it gives the young trees a head start before the older ash are removed.

For guidelines on how to find treatment providers for EAB or a list of recommended replacement trees visit www.BoulderCountyEAB.org or call 303-678-6238.