Emerald Ash Borer has been found in another Iowa County. State Entomologist Robin Pruisner says the destructive pest has been positively identified in Dallas County in a tree on the outskirts of Waukee.
Pruisner told reporters and others gathered at a news conference held in a Des Moines park this morning (Thursday). Trees infected with EAB typically die within three years. Iowa has more than 3 million ash trees located in urban areas and an estimated 55 million in woodlands. Tivon Feeley, with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, does not believe the invasive beetle will completely wipe out all of the state’s ash trees.
In many Iowa towns and cities, ash trees make up 15 to 20 percent of the tree population. Many cities have been removing ash trees located on public property or using insecticides to try and save ash trees. Iowans with healthy ash trees on their property are being encouraged to contact a tree service company to learn about treatment measures.
