KC neighborhood gets grant to protect ash trees
Emerald ash borer poses serious threat to KC trees
A Kansas City neighborhood association is getting national recognition for its efforts to fight a destructive insect.
Emerald ash borers are invading ash trees across the Midwest. The insects migrated to the United States from Asia more than a decade ago.
"When it was introduced here with no natural controls, it went rampant," said Nichola Goergen of Urban Tree Specialists. "All it feeds on is ash, every species."
The Greenway Fields neighborhood did a census and counted 38 ash trees in the neighborhood. Members of the homeowner's association decided to drill eight holes into every one of those trees and treat them with a special pesticide.
"This will kill them as soon as they begin to feed on the tree in any way," Goergen said.
Greenway Fields received a grant to help cover the costs of the treatments. Treating each ash costs about $300.
"The National Arbor Day Foundation recognized us as an ideal model that other communities might emulate in order to address these kinds of issues," said Beth Noble of the Greenway Fields Homes Association.
Anyone concerned about the trees in their backyard should call a certified arborist.
Kansas City ash populations are estimated at about 10 percent of the total trees. The number is believed to be higher in neighborhoods near the Country Club Plaza and Johnson County.