Emerald Ash Borer

In dealing with Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in Ash trees, as an Arborist and a Beekeeper, my first goal is to educate customers. I want them to have the information to make a choice that takes into account tree health, pollinator health and the least toxic treatment options.

 I always evaluate the tree health first; location and long term viability of the tree before considering treatment. If a tree has major damage or is in the wrong place such as under power lines or too close to a house, it would probably be best to remove tree and replant with a better species in a better location. Newly planted or Small Ash trees may be best to just remove and replant with a better species of tree. 

If a customer has a high value Ash tree (healthy, large, provides most of the shade in their yard, provides habitat) then I provide treatments once a year in attempt to save their Ash tree. Azadirachtin is a Neem Oil extract and is considered an organic treatment. No treatment is perfect but Azadirachtin is the least toxic approach for EAB. Bees are not affected by Azadirachtin but other beneficial insects such as Lady Bugs can be negatively affected.

Thank you,
Chad Street
Bees and Trees
303-669-9520
  • Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) treatment for healthy, high-value Ash trees. We use Azadirachtin which is the least toxic treatment for pollinators.
  • Phosphorus Acid used to feed trees to increase tree vigor and provides resistance to fungal and bacterial issues including Fire Blight, Thyronectria Canker, Cytospora Canker. Safe for people, pets and pollinators.
  • Iron Supplement to treat for Chlorosis. Safe for people, pets and pollinators.
  • Soil amendments including but not limited to compost tea, introduction of mycorrhizae into soil, compost and mulch application and watering. Other soil improvement plans are in the works. The goal is to increase soil health and biological activity which will help improve overall tree health. Safe for people, pets and pollinators.
  • Biological control such as lady bugs, praying mantis and other beneficial predatory insects.
  • Other options are bacterial and fungal control with things like antibiotics. This needs to be done in the correct time frame, after flowering, to keep local wildlife and pollinators safe.