Emerald ash borer invades trees in Bexley

(by Rachel Scofield, staff writer - June 11, 2009)

The emerald ash borer has invaded Bexley.

City officials estimate that 75 to 100 of the city’s 400 ash trees have been infected and must be destroyed.

Starting June 10, the city began preventative treatment for unaffected trees although “the treatment we have today is not 100-percent effective,” City Service Director Bill Harvey said.

Treated trees will be marked with a small white dot.

One in five of Bexley’s ash trees are located on city property. The city advises residents to call qualified arborists for advice.

The city cannot afford to destroy the trees located on private property, Harvey said.
The borers are metallic green and carve a quarter-inch-deep V-shape in the tree trunks, City Forester Mark Moore said.

“In a year or less, the tree will be pretty much destroyed to the point of falling down,” Harvey said.

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