The emerald ash borer is spreading across the Front Range. Here’s how to protect your trees

A tiny, green insect that bores under the bark of ash trees is spreading in Colorado.  

The emerald ash borer has been making its way around the Front Range for the last decade. It damages ash trees and often kills them. And this year it’s been spotted in Denver.  

Ash trees make up about one in every six trees in the urban forests along the Front Range. So what can we do to protect ash trees and even fight back against this pest? 

Karim Gharbi is a horticulture specialist with the Colorado State University Extension who’s been on our show before. Karim joined Erin O’Toole to talk about the emerald ash borer and give a more specific idea of what this so-called “green menace” looks like. 

CSU Extension offers guidance on fall and winter watering to keep ash trees strong. If you’re looking for an arborist, Trees are Good offers suggestions.  

For more info on Front Range pests, listen to In The NoCo conversations about Japanese beetles and miller moths. 

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Producer: Ariel Lavery
Executive Producer: Brad Turner
Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.

What is In The NOCO?

KUNC's In The NOCO is a daily look at the stories, news, people and issues important to you. It's a window to the communities along the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The show explores the big stories of the day, bringing context and insight to issues that matter. And because life in Northern Colorado is a balance of work and play, we explore the lighter side of news, highlighting what makes this state such an incredible place to live.