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Emerald Ash Borer
What is Emerald Ash Borer?
The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a small, green boring insect that attacks and kills all trees in the Ash family (Fraxinus spp). This invasive insect has been spreading across the State of Wisconsin for the last ten years and is firmly entrenched in River Falls. About 20 percent or 1900 of our public trees in River Falls are Ash
What does it mean if I received an orange EAB door hanger and have a white dot spray painted on the tree?
The Ash in your boulevard is seriously infected and beyond treatment or saving. EAB infected trees quickly become hazardous because of dropping limbs and the entire tree falling over.
What's the plan for the tree and future space?
The City’s tree contractor will remove the tree soon after the doorhanger arrival. The stump will be ground and the area rehabbed as soon as possible. The City will then identify a space in the boulevard to replant a new tree.
What does this mean for the City?
The Emerald Ash Borer is having a major impact on our urban forest and will continue to do so as long as there are Ash trees present. The City anticipates EAB to spread to its peak in 3-7 years. A combination of chemical treatment, pre-emptive removals, and infested tree removals as EAB spreads will make the peak of Ash tree removals more manageable. River Falls initiated its action plan and has begun to remove selected Ash trees before they become infested.
What does this mean for residents?
There are a few options you can take to help fight the spread of EAB. If you have or think you have an Ash tree or an infected Ash tree on your property and want to know your options, please contact the City Forester Mike Noreen at 715-426-3467 or by email.
Visit the links below or the Urban Forestry FAQ page here for more information.
Do you have an Ash tree in your boulevard?
In a matter of time, the EAB will infect and kill all Ash trees, including those in the boulevard around your house. To help fight the spread of EAB, please see your options below:
1. Get ahead of the curve: remove and replace*
Ask the City to remove your boulevard ash tree as soon as possible and replace it with another species at NO cost to you.
2. Try to save your Ash tree: treat*
Chemically treat your boulevard Ash – by a professional or DIY - for about $200 every other year.
3. Not sure? wait
In the next 5-7 years, the City will remove the Ash tree and replace it with another species at NO cost to you.
* Please contact the City Forester, Mike Noreen at 715-426-3467 or by email so we can best serve you.
Report EAB in your boulevard tree
If you believe you have an infected boulevard Ash tree and wish to report it, follow this link.
What if I have Ash trees on my property besides those in the boulevard?
You can treat it in the spring, wait for the tree to get infected and die, or remove it. The cost to treat or remove the tree is the responsibility of the homeowner.
Want to replant a tree on your property?
Planting a tree filters the air and can shade your home which helps reduce your energy bill. RFMU offers a rebate of $25-$35 for each tree you plant. Simply plant a tree, take a picture, and following the application instructions.