Poor Candidates for Treatment Other Considerations Nebraska Forest Service (continued) Tree location: More indications of stress and poor health. High value trees that may be good candidates for treatment include prominent trees in the Look at the base of the trunk: landscape or trees located on Selecting Trees for the south or west sides of the Injury at the base of the home that provide shade. Emerald Ash Borer trunk is often caused by mowers and string trimmers. It is frequently Treatments seen where grass is allowed to grow next to Trees under wires or A Pictorial Guide trunk. Often called too close to sidewalks "mower blight." or buildings generally for Home Landscapes should be removed rather than treated. Tree size: Removing small trees and replacing with a different species may be more economical and more sustainable than Girdling roots wrap lifelong treatments for EAB. around the base of the tree either above or below ground and restrict Proximity to EAB: water movement in the Treatments should not be considered until EAB trunk. Trees that do not is known to be within 15 miles of your trees. have a root flare may Be very selective when choosing trees for EAB treatments. have a girdling root Trees should be highly valuable, in a good location, and in below ground. The root : good condition. flare is the natural More information on EAB and treatments widening of the trunk at Nebraska Forest Service: nfs.unl.edu/EAB the ground as it transitions into roots. Laurie Stepanek Nebraska Forest Service Ash trees provide many benefits to home landscapes. This publication girdling root provides information to help you select those trees most suitable for treatments to protect them from no root flare Nebraska emerald ash borer (EAB). Forest Service girdling root no root flare The University of Nebraska-Lincoln FH25-2015 is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Good Candidates for Treatment Poor Candidates for Treatment Good candidates for treatment are trees that are in Examine your trees for the following signs of poor health. These trees are not good candidates for treatment. very good health. Typically these trees have had a history of proper care including: Look at the canopy of the tree: Look for sprouting on the 9 Supplemental trunk and branches: watering during Stand back and extended dry look at the canopy of the periods. tree. Dead branches and 9 Periodic mulching thin foliage (the with an organic sky is easily mulch such as seen through the wood or bark chips. leaves) are indicators of 9 Protection of the tree from harmful levels poor health. of lawn herbicides and other weed control chemicals. 9 Protection of the roots from the following: • soil disturbance such as excavation for building construction, installation of sidewalks, patios or driveways, or trenching for utility lines. Note: While thin foliage often indicates Epicormic sprouts (water sprouts, • soil compaction from heavy foot traffic or vehicles poor health, a canopy suckers) are small diameter parked under the tree. thick with leaves is not branches growing from the trunk always an indication and major limbs. They can grow of good health. See several inches to several feet in one Trees in good health will: information about year. Although these sprouts often sprouting to the right. produce many leaves and may give 9 Respond better to treatments. the illusion of a full canopy, they are 9 Better handle the damage that some treatments a sign that the tree is in poor health. cause. Look for trunk or branch damage by insects and diseases: When selecting trees to treat, keep in mind the drawbacks and limitations of treatments: • Required for the lifespan of the tree Holes and tunnels made by insects feeding in the branches • May cause damage to the tree or trunk are often seen in trees • May pose a risk to humans, pets and wildlife that are in poor health. Trees Fungal conks (mushrooms) on the trunk or large branches • May have other harmful environmental impacts may be deformed or scarred as a result of this feeding. indicate internal decay. Trees with extensive decay may • Monetary cost have hollow trunks. Such trees may be structurally weak..