Glenbrooke News

 In response to a question about the infestation of of some of Glenbrooke''s  Raywood Ash trees,  resident, Norma Lee ,  received the following response from UC Davis affiliate entomologist, Steve Seybold.   She asked that the information be shared with other residents. 

Dear Norma:
 
I'm responding to your inquiry below about the lilac-ash borer in Raywood ash in Elk Grove.  I'm a forest and shade tree entomologist with the USDA Forest Service and affiliated with the UCD Department of Entomology.  This insect is a small moth that looks like (mimics) a paper wasp.  The larva (caterpillar) damages the phloem and wood of the tree.  The female moth lays her eggs near wounds in the bark.  So, it is important to keep the number of wounds on the tree trunks and large branches to a minimum.
 
I'm not sure about the effectiveness of systemic insecticides for this borer.  The older UC Guidelines suggest that they do not work, but there have been some advances in the last 10 yrs.  The female is active in the spring (as early as April), so it is important to get the treatment out early.
 
I'd be curious to know more about the infestation there and when exactly the PCO plans to apply the material to the soil.
 
Best wishes,
 
Steve Seybold