The emerald ash borer (EAB) is potentially one of the most devastating invasive pests ever introduced into the U.S. It arrived in the midwest from Asia several years ago and has been spreading rapidly eastward. It selectively attacks and kills ash trees — one of the more decorative trees preferred by landscape architects for urban streets and parks. (It also happens to be preferred by manufacturers of baseball bats —now in short supply.) Based on midwest experience, an invasion will kill all of the ash trees in a community within eight years if not addressed. On June 10, a confirmed adult beetle was found in a trap that had been hung within West Windsor. So West Windsor has a new environmental challenge to deal with.
The Shade Tree Commission had drafted a response plan in anticipation of the beetle’s arrival, including a detailed posting “alert” on the township’s website that included a guide to help the public identify ash trees. The Commission has now developed an aggressive management plan which has, as its base, an established premise that it can be more economical to protect susceptible trees than to replace them.
There are approximately 2,000 ash trees on the township’s public streets and parks and probably hundreds — if not thousands — on the streets and landscaping of private residential developments and private homes. Proven systemic treatment of many ash trees on public land has already begun. These treatments can be costly and must be repeated for several years if they are to be effective. We will be seeking cooperation and coordination with neighboring townships and with Mercer County, given that Mercer County Park is the largest parcel of open space within West Windsor and probably has many ash trees in its landscaping.
The Township’s EAB Management Plan includes outreach to the West Windsor community. We are planning to use all available media to communicate to the public the nature of the EAB challenge and suggest what individuals or private communities with ash trees on their property may choose to do about it. (As an example, Village Grande has already developed its own action plan.) We will distribute informative “fliers” to residents in neighborhoods where ash trees have been planted on their streets or on nearby parks. We are also considering holding seminars to reach out to residents in which we would invite the participation of arborists to explain alternative treatment options and their costs.
Meanwhile, the Township’s Shade Tree Commission will soon make recommendations to the administration and council, including a practical schedule and a cost-effective budget to deal promptly — and for as long as it takes — with this environmental challenge to our ash trees.
Ron Slinn
Chair, West Windsor
Shade Tree Commission
