Some experts concluded that the extreme cold (Polar Vortex) we experienced in the winter of 2018-19 could be intense enough to wipe out Emerald ash borer (EAB) in Wisconsin.
Perhaps some of the beetles were lost, but it was determined that there wasn’t enough of a cold snap to eliminate EAB.
Without a sustained period of minus 30-degree temperatures or lower, state entomologists agreed many of the pests in hiding would still survive. In fact, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) discovered EAB larva alive and well in parts of southeast Wisconsin before spring arrived.
American Tree Experts recommends continuing treatment of ash trees if a program has been established. If an ash tree on your property is less than 20% infested with EAB, it can still be treated. If 40% or more of the tree is damaged, it may be time to consider removal and replacement.
