Ash (Fraxinus sp.) Inventory and Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis F.) Treatment Options for Monteagle Sunday School Assembly
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Authors
Muth, Adam
Edwards, Graham
Mainolfi, Andrew
Kuers, Karen
Issue Date
2022-04-28
Type
Technical Report
Language
en_US
Keywords
Scholarship Sewanee , University of the South , Forestry , Emerald Ash Borer , EAB , Ash , Tree , Trees , Monteagle Assembly , MSSA , Report , Insecticides
Alternative Title
Abstract
The invasive emerald ash borer (EAB, Agrilus planipennis F.) has eradicated populations of ash (Fraxinus sp.) trees across the United States. The major response options include tree removal and stem chemical treatments. To examine the potential impact of emerald ash borer on the ash trees in the Monteagle Sunday School Assembly (MSSA), in fall 2021 we inventoried all the ash trees on leaseholds and along trails. We mapped the tree location, and measured stem diameter at breast height (stems >2 inches), height (estimated and exact), percentage dieback of the crown, and general notes. Tree locations on leaseholds were approximately marked on paper maps for entry in ArcGIS software, and trees along trails were mapped with a GPS. The inventory identified 126 ash stems on leaseholds. One or more ash were found on 53 leaseholds. The ash had an average DBH of 14.8 inches. With respect to canopy dieback, one and two inch diameter dead branches were the most common, with the larger sizes being much less common. The most common target of the dead branches were houses and powerlines. An inventory of trees in the MSSA commons in 2018 reported 54 additional ash stems, with an average DBH of 16.2 inches. Ash trees along the trails were more common below the bluff and showed that there are somel large ash trees in striking distance of a trail. A comparison of the effectiveness, environmental considerations, and costs were made of the two main chemicals available to treat for EAB (imidacloprid and emamectin benzoate). We recommend that the MSSA begin their response to EAB this year, and that they group sectors of the property for treatment or removal to reduce the overall cost of their response.
Description
Citation
Publisher
University of the South