Ash Borer & Gypsy Moth Infestation

Tree Infestations:

Gypsy Moths

The gypsy moth outbreak has continued into 2018. In 2017, the gypsy moth outbreak was extensive and severe, with 1,175,000 acres impacted by the gypsy moth caterpillars. While gypsy moth will feed on a wide variety of trees and shrubs, oaks are their preferred food. The caterpillar feeding can cause severe defoliation, and weaken the tree.

Healthy trees can generally withstand one or two partial or complete defoliations, but may experience branch die back or the eventual death of the tree. Dead or damaged trees are considered hazardous. The UCONN Extension Service notes:

Roadside tree mortality presents a serious potential public safety hazard.
The scale and scope of the problem is beyond the capacity of CT-DOT, Eversource and many towns to address the issue.
Time is of the essence. Dead trees are unpredictable and dangerous for tree workers and timber operators, and become more dangerous the longer they stand.
Additional assessment data is essential, plans to continue that effort should be encouraged.

Read the full fact sheet from CAES.

Emerald Ash Borer

The emerald ash borer has arrived in Connecticut, and the State's Urban Forestry Coordinator at the DEEP expects that within the next few years all untreated trees will succumb to damage caused by the emerald ash borer. The consensus is that:

- The emerald ash borer is inevitable,
- It will kill the tree, and
- Once the tree is damaged or dead, it poses a significant risk for causing damage or injury.

CIRMA recommends that municipalities deal with infested trees sooner, rather than later to reduce the cost of tree removal and greatly reduce the potential loss.

The Connecticut Tree Wardens Association has made available a number of resources on the emerald ash borer so that municipal leaders and Tree Wardens can plan for the removal of damaged trees from municipal property. Details on the emerald ash borer are available at:

> Slowing the Spread of the Emerald Ash Borer - CT-Gov/DEEP
> Identification of the Emerald Ash Borer - CT-Gov/DEEP
> Emerald Ash Borer Information Network

The DEEP has also prepared a background paper on the likely costs associated with dealing with this insect.