The City of Ramsey is on the defense against an invasive beetle species that's been turning its ash trees into kindling. In 2019, Ramsey officials confirmed the presence of the emerald ash borer, an insect that has devastated ash populations across the country. While late to the party, authorities are now taking steps to curtail the spread of these tree-munching pests.
A video has been released by the city to help residents identify whether their ash trees have fallen victim to these borers. The city's Facebook post urged the community to, "Take a look!" and learn how to help stop the further spread of the emerald ash borer. The city is confident that it's not too late to save the remaining ash trees, but it requires community effort to effectively fight back against the infestation.
According to the City of Ramsey's Facebook page, "We have a video to help you identify infested trees and stop the spread of this invasive species!" The video offers visual cues for residents to spot signs of ash borer damage such as D-shaped holes in tree bark and trails under the surface where the larvae feed and grow.
The fight against the emerald ash borer is urgent as the insect can quickly decimate ash tree populations, wreaking havoc on both the environment and homeowner's property values. Ramsey is among many communities forced to roll up their sleeves in defense of these trees. Armed with informational tools like the city's video, officials are hoping to not only slow down but also eventually eradicate the threat to ash trees in the area.
