The window for homeowners to treat their ash trees themselves has run out with hot summer days lingering.
Regardless if you do it yourself or hire a professional, the option for soil treatment – or soil drenches – works best in early April or early fall.
“The soil drenches that are out there for homeowners – the do-it-your-selfers – to use are running out of time because of the uptake of the product and how it is applied.”
The science is simple.
Trees tend to “shut down” when it gets too hot and takes 60 days for the treatment to enter, says Mike Fink, general manager at Lanoha Nuseries.
However, licensed professionals can use trunk injections for ash trees.
“Because of the method in which they are injected, the trees will take it up,” Finch says. “It's similar to the flu shot [for people].”
Depending on the size of the tree, the plug treatment could cost at least $300 and lasts two years.
According to the general manager, treatment can protect your tree even if it is under attack.
We are out treating first thing in the morning, he says.
“When it gets above 90 degrees, we’re starting to shut down. The reason for that is [in] 90 degrees, trees shut down. That does not mean we can't treat.”
But it does limit the work flow, forcing duo-teams to re-start treatments the following day when it is cool again.
Critics may be skeptical saying it is too costly and opting for removal.
He says homeowners cannot afford to not treat their trees, losing shade over their house and re-planting trees on their property.
“There's a time investment involved with your tree. A tree literally takes 10 to 15 years for it to mature and actual benefit your landscape, your air conditioning savings and all of that.”
Experts say it is too early to tell how long the infestation could last, perhaps a minimum of six years until the insects migrate west.
To learn more about treatments, click here.
