Central and Eastern Kentucky
(2009-11-18)
LEXINGTON
(WEKU) -
Lexington leaders have been urged to consider the Emerald Ash Borer' as a serious long term threat to trees in the Bluegrass.
The Emerald Ash Borer has already killed millions of trees in North America. In the Commonwealth, the University of Kentucky reports, the pest has invaded ten counties. It's just beginning to make its mark in Fayette County. Next spring, Lexington tree board chair Karen Angelucci says residents should take steps to protect mature trees.
"You will not see the effects because the signs come later. They start in the tops of the trees. You will not see the effects until it's too late so you can't look for the effects the bug is so small the signs come later," Angelucci said.
UK Entomologist Lee Townsend says preventative treatment can be very effective. He says they're seeking a natural predator, but the search could take years.
© Copyright 2012, WEKU
