- Door hangers will notify residents of upcoming treatments to City-owned ash trees
- Residents can take steps to protect ash trees on their property
Salem, Ore. – Salem residents may soon see a notice on their doors about the City-owned ash tree(s) adjacent to their homes. The Urban Forestry Division is identifying ash trees that need protection from the emerald ash borer pest, which is harming trees throughout Oregon.
The notice informs residents that the City will inject the ash tree adjacent to their home every two years to protect it from the emerald ash borer. The hanger will also indicate whether the tree has been inspected or treated.
What is the Emerald Ash Borer?
The emerald ash borer is a harmful beetle that attacks and kills ash trees. Adult beetles lay their eggs on the trees. When the eggs hatch, the larvae burrow under the bark and feed on the tree. This feeding cuts off the tree’s supply of water and nutrients, leading to its death.
Marion County and other counties in Oregon have been under a permanent quarantine since the emerald ash borer was detected here in August 2024. Since then, City staff has been working on plans to manage the emerald ash borer for street trees and natural areas.
Staff members recently received training on how to apply preventive injections. They will start injecting city trees this summer. The injections use a special insecticide that travels through the tree and kills the insects.
Questions?
The City’s emerald ash borer web page provides more information and guidance on how to best protect your ash trees from infestation. Or contact Salem Urban Forestry Division at banforestry@cityofsalem.net“>urbanforestry@cityofsalem.net or 503-588-6332.
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