By Scout Nelson
Emerald ash borer has been confirmed in Brookings, South Dakota, prompting a public information meeting on Thursday, July 11, at 7 p.m.
The meeting, hosted at the McCrory Gardens Education and Visitor Center, aims to educate residents about the threat posed by this invasive pest and provide guidance on managing affected ash trees.
Originally detected in Minnehaha County in 2018, emerald ash borer is notorious for rapidly spreading and devastating ash tree populations within five to ten years.
John Ball, Professor and SDSU Extension Forestry Specialist, along with officials from the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, will address attendees.
They will discuss removal and treatment options for ash tree owners, emphasizing that insecticide trunk injection, performed by licensed professionals, is currently the only effective method to protect ash trees from the borer.
City representatives will also be on hand to outline plans for managing public ash trees in Brookings.
This meeting serves as a critical opportunity for residents to understand the implications of the infestation and make informed decisions regarding the preservation or removal of ash trees on their properties.
For more information, concerned residents are encouraged to attend the upcoming meeting to receive expert guidance and support in managing this serious threat to Brookings' ash tree population.
Photo Credit: south-dakota-state-university
Categories: South Dakota, Education