City Begins Defense Against Emerald Ash Borer

Rochester, NY –

Forestry crews in Rochester are starting to treat more than 4,000 ash trees throughout the city to protect them from a destructive beetle.

The Emerald Ash Borer beetle has killed tens of millions of ash trees in 15 states. It was discovered here in Monroe County last year.

The city's Forestry Division will inject insecticide called TREE-age into the trees. That treatment is expected to protect the ash trees for 2-3 years.

About 300 ash trees already in poor condition will be replaced with new trees that aren't susceptible to the Emerald Ash Borer. The City says eventually all ash trees will be replaced with one of a different species. Forestry crews are starting the treatment process in the Southwest Quadrant.

The invasive beetle, native to China and eastern Asia, arrived in the US hidden in wooden packing materials used to ship consumer goods. The insect only attacks ash trees. Infected trees usually die within one to three years.