Board hears Emerald Ash Borer update; staff plans public outreach and treatment coordination

The Evansville City Tree Advisory Board received an update on Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) impacts and outreach efforts on June 5, and staff described plans for public awareness and treatment coordination.

Sean (staff member) said staff are gearing up for a twilight tour in October and meeting with volunteers and treatment partners, and noted continuing calls from residents whose ash trees have not been treated. “It's hard to convince people that a tree needs help before it looks like it needs help,” he said, discussing the challenge of encouraging preventive treatment.

Nut graf: Board members said they are seeing increasing numbers of ash trees in irreversible decline and emphasized outreach to private owners before trees reach terminal stages, noting the logistics and expense of removing large ash trees.

Key points from the discussion - Outreach and events: Staff reported plans for a twilight tour in late October to highlight EAB and treatment progress; a press event with the vendor TruGreen was also being coordinated through Danielle in the mayor's office if a formal event is scheduled. - Treatment and timing: Staff reminded residents to treat ash trees before visible infestation; members noted many large trees will require heavy equipment or cranes to remove safely once they die. - Geography and impact: Board members noted heavy ash losses along the Lloyd Expressway corridor and other streets; several 20–25-year-old ash trees were described as nearing irreversible decline.

Ending: Staff said they will continue outreach and coordination with treatment vendors and document treatment and removal needs; no new policy or ordinance was proposed at the meeting.