Treatments over the next two years aim to protect 75 city ash trees from invasive species
By Kellen Olshefski
Editor
Keeping in line with the city’s defensive strategy when it comes to the emerald ash borer, Elkhorn’s Common Council approved a proposal from Wachtel Tree Science to treat 75 ash trees over the next two years.
The emerald ash borer is an invasive beetle native to Asia and Eastern Russia that has been known to have a highly devastating effect on ash trees, in most cases resulting in the death of the tree.
According to Alderman Scott McClory, as part of the defensive strategy the city has cut down approximately 40 to 45 trees in the past. The remaining 75 ash trees are still considered viable according to Wachtel Tree Science.
McClory said the contract will allow Wachtel Tree Science to inject a chemical treatment into the remaining trees over the next two years to serve as a sort of immunization, protecting them from the Emerald Ash Borer.
McClory noted that there is no guarantee with the treatments, but the company claims it can save the trees, and the money, a cost of $6,129, had been budgeted under the Park Dedication Fund previously.
“This is pretty common practice to go and try to treat these so you don’t lose the entire canopy,” Mayor Brian Olson said.
According to Public Works Manager Martin Nuss, trees that are going to be treated will have a small, painted green dot near the base of the tree.
“So, if constituents do contact you, that’s a treatment, not a take down,” City Administrator Sam Tapson said.
The council approved the contract with Wachtel tree services unanimously.
