Pest and Disease Management
UFI’s arborists and certified pesticide applicators are knowledgeable in a range of pest and disease management options. Our guiding principle to controlling insect pests, invasive plant species and tree diseases is an innovative strategy known as Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which integrates cultural (growing) practices, monitoring, threshold and life cycle analysis, and chemical application strategies to effectively manage urban forest pest populations in an ecologically-sound manner. UFI has been involved in the development of urban pest control strategies, including a project to model the costs and benefits of a wide range of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) management options for municipalities in southern Ontario. While the spread of some invasive and destructive pest species in unavoidable, UFI’s experience enables clients to prepare for and manage pest populations on their own terms.
Through years of research and experience, UFI has developed a comprehensive understanding of a wide range of leading tree injection methodologies, tools and formulations for pest management and fertilization. Through our consulting practice, we can provide results-based treatment plans to complement other recommended arboricultural prescriptions, or as stand-alone options to promote tree health and improve resistance to pests and pathogens.
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Management Planning
Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire) is an introduced, invasive wood-boring beetle which currently threatens billions of ash trees (genus Fraxinus) across North America. Since its discovery in 2002, the pest has spread across the eastern United States, southern Ontario and portions of Quebec, and continues to expand its range. EAB is here to stay in North America, and it is anticipated that virtually all unprotected ash trees will be killed as the infestation progresses. Some form of management is required in a municipal setting, and inaction is not an option.
EAB has forced many affected communities to expend significant financial resources to remove infested, dead and potentially hazardous ash trees. Communities in the earlier stages of infestation can greatly benefit from the development and implementation of a comprehensive Emerald Ash Borer Management Strategy.
Urban Forest Innovations, Inc. has prepared effective and comprehensive EAB Management Strategies for several communities in southern Ontario. Several of these strategies have been strongly supported by a comprehensive municipal ash tree inventory conducted by UFI’s team of ISA Certified Arborists, experienced in the identification of EAB infestation signs and symptoms, tree risk assessment, and criteria for tree injection suitability.
A comprehensive Emerald Ash Borer Management Strategy prepared by Urban Forest Innovations, Inc. includes strategies for a variety of management activities, such as monitoring and surveying, prevention and control, proactive/reactive tree removal and protection, regulation and communications, among others. The Strategy will also weigh the costs and benefits of several potential approaches to EAB management, and consider factors such as the ash tree inventory, stage and duration of infestation, scope of management, cost of services and community values.
Communities with a comprehensive EAB Management Strategy prepared by Urban Forest Innovations, Inc. will be well positioned to ensure resources are allocated effectively and efficiently to address the challenges poses by Emerald Ash Borer. They will be supported by clear directions to reduce risk, protected valuable ash trees, and quickly replace lost urban forest benefits, ensuring that the EAB infestation is managed on the community’s terms, rather than the beetle’s schedule.