GARDENING BY THE MOON
By: Dr. Robert E. Moon Harvest Horticulturist
Some of you are being told by arborists that your ash trees need to be removed and
replaced because of the Emerald Ash Borer. Having ash trees does not mean your trees will
automatically get borers. Yes, they are susceptible and your tree could get this insect but it
is not a sure thing. I would never recommend anyone to remove a tree just because it is
susceptible to an insect or disease. If I did that, all trees would need to be removed. For
example, all varieties of oak trees are susceptible to oak disease which can kill them, but we
would never not plant an oak tree in our area because of disease possibility.
If you are concerned about the Emerald Ash borer, the best plan of action is to treat your
trees with a systemic insecticide such as Merit or Safari. The product I use on my pine trees
to protect them from the pine beetle is Bayer Tree and Shrub with Merit (Imidacloprid).
I treat my trees two times per year to protect the trees. It is an easy granular treatment
and it fertilizes the trees at the same time as you are treating with the Merit systemic
insecticide. Mark your calendar for every six months and apply. This will protect your
trees. My advice, if your arborist has told you to cut down your trees, find another arborist.