On Wednesday, April 27th, two St. Rose graduate students will be talking to business owners in Albany about the Emerald Ash Borer problem that is affecting our trees. These students (pictured below) will be in the area from 2-4pm answering any questions that anyone may have regarding the problem and how the city plans to deal with it.
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| If you see these guys around, feel free to stop and ask them questions! |
Trees are an important part of the city. They add beauty to the streets we live and work on, provide shade, decrease street noise, absorb stormwater and provide so many more benefits. However, due to the Emerald Ash Borer, many of the Ash trees in our neighborhoods are sick and dying. The Emerald Ash Borer is an invasive species of beetle from Asia that was accidentally transported to the United States. From there it has spread, infesting ash trees as it goes. Because it is an invasive species, our native ash trees have no natural defense against this threat, making it impossible to fight off.
This is naturally a problem in our community and steps have been taken to address the issue of this invasive species. Unfortunately this means that the trees that have been infested must be taken down to protect the Ash trees that are not already affected. Protecting the healthy ash trees has become top priority.
Trees infested with the Emerald Ash Borer can cause a lot of problems for humans. Brittle branches can cause an increase in storm damage as well as property damage. There can be a decreased property value as well as having to pay the cost of tree removals or pesticides. Removing infested ash trees is the only way to keep our city beautiful and healthy.
How can you help?
- Water, protect, and care for trees outside of your businesses
- Keep an eye out on your Ash trees and look for signs of an infestation
- The top of the tree appears to be dead but the rest of the tree looks healthy
- Always buy firewood at or close to where you plan on burning it
- Transporting wood can put other trees at risk and help spread the EAB
- Notify the Albany Forester or the DEC of any trees that are or may become hazardous to human or property
“Individuals with concerns about the Forestry Division may call the Department of General Services at 434-CITY, Monday through Friday, between 9:00am and 5:00pm” (City of Albany, 2013).
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