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For treated trees, emerald ash borer isn't a death sentence

Certified arborist Sweeney of Leaf and Lake Consulting says professional treatments are effective against Emerald Borers, offering homeowners an alternative to expensive ash tree removal worth more than $20,000.
An exotic pest introduced from Asia, Emerald Borers have killed twice as many trees in 20 years as Dutch Elm Disease, threatening the 1 billion ash trees in Minnesota.
Trunk injections have a 98% success rate. "If I can get my arms around it, I can treat a tree for $200," Sweeney said, contrasting with removal costs over $800.
"Teaching is 50% of what we do," Sweeney said, emphasizing that professionals must ensure trees have at least 70% of a healthy canopy to be suitable candidates for treatment.
Arborists like Vick note that while Dutch Elm Disease once devastated forests, 8-12 resistant varieties exist today; proactive treatment helps mitigate losses as mature ash trees take 40 years to grow.

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For treated trees, emerald ash borer isn't a death sentence

ST. CLOUD — Shawn Sweeney likes to think of himself as a "tree doctor," and he cares for all his little (or not so little) "tree children." It's an informal way of describing his latest passion. Sweeney, 67, is a certified arborist and a University of Minnesota Master Gardener who started Leaf and Lake Consulting three years ago. Wearing a pair of green overalls, he spends his days in the sunshine, advising homeowners about their landscaping or …

1 day ago·Cherokee County, United States

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