Council approves final year of emerald ash borer treatment, directs plan to phase out chemical treatments

The Wildwood City Council voted May 12 to proceed with the city’s fifth-year program of chemical treatment for ash trees affected by emerald ash borer and simultaneously directed staff to prepare a public-facing assessment and a transition plan to end routine chemical treatment and move toward removal and replacement.

Council member Rambo described the treatment as a “least-worst option” and urged an accelerated plan to end reliance on emamectin benzoate injections because of environmental and public-health concerns. Council members and staff discussed the program’s costs — roughly $500 per tree for treatment versus about $2,000–$3,000 per large-tree removal — and the public-safety risk posed by large ash trees that can snap and fail unpredictably if left to die.

After discussion, council voted to authorize the current May treatment cycle and approved a motion directing staff to: (1) document the treatment program’s status, (2) inventory remaining treated ash trees on city property, (3) prepare a proposed timetable and budget for transitioning away from chemical treatment toward removal and replacement, and (4) publish explanatory information for residents about reasons and trade-offs. The motion passed with one member (Council member Kranz) recorded as opposed.

Staff said the May timing is important because treatments are most effective when applied in that window; delaying treatment would require greater chemical quantities for the same effect. The city will present the assessment and proposed schedule for non-treatment-based removal as part of the next budget cycle.