Protecting Santa Fe’s Trees from Emerald Ash Borer

If you’ve been driving around Santa Fe, especially in neighborhoods south and west of the Plaza, you’ve likely noticed trees marked with yellow and blue tags. These tags signal a critical effort to combat the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), an invasive beetle that poses a important threat to ash trees throughout the city.

What is the Emerald Ash Borer?

The Emerald Ash Borer is a highly destructive insect native to Asia. It was first discovered in the United States in 2002 and has since spread to numerous states, causing widespread ash tree mortality. The beetle larvae feed on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting their ability to transport water and nutrients, ultimately leading to their death.

Why is Santa Fe at Risk?

Santa Fe has a substantial population of ash trees, making the city notably vulnerable to EAB infestation. Ash trees are valued for their shade, aesthetic appeal, and contribution to the urban forest. Their loss would have ecological and economic consequences,including increased energy costs due to reduced shade and the expense of tree removal and replacement. The city estimates that approximately 18% of Santa Fe’s urban forest is comprised of ash trees.

What is the City Doing?

The city of Santa Fe,in partnership with the New Mexico Department of Agriculture and the US Forest Service,is actively working to manage the EAB threat. Key strategies include:

• Tree Inventory and Assessment: City arborists are conducting a thorough inventory of ash trees to assess their health and determine which trees are most valuable to preserve. The yellow and blue tags indicate trees that have been assessed.
• Preventative Treatments: The city is offering subsidized insecticide treatments to homeowners to protect their ash trees. These treatments, typically involving systemic insecticides, can prevent EAB infestation for several years.
• Tree Removal: Unfortunately,not all ash trees can be saved. Trees that are heavily infested or in poor health will need to be removed to prevent the spread of the EAB.
• Reforestation: The city is planning for reforestation efforts, focusing on planting diverse, resilient tree species to replace those lost to EAB.
• Public Education: Raising public awareness about EAB and how residents can help is a crucial component of the city’s strategy.

How Can Residents Help?

Homeowners can play a vital role in protecting Santa Fe’s trees:

• identify Ash Trees: Learn to identify ash trees on your property. They have compound leaves with 5-9 leaflets and a diamond-patterned bark.
• Inspect trees for Signs of EAB: Look for signs of EAB infestation, such as D-shaped exit holes, serpentine galleries under the bark, and canopy dieback.
• Consider preventative Treatment: If you have valuable ash trees, consider having them treated with an insecticide. Contact the City of Santa Fe for information on subsidized treatment programs.
• Report Suspected Infestations: Report any suspected EAB infestations to the City of Santa Fe Parks and Recreation Division.
• Don’t Move Firewood: EAB can spread through the movement of firewood. Avoid transporting firewood over long distances.

Resources

• City of Santa Fe – Emerald Ash Borer Information
• new Mexico Department of Agriculture – Emerald Ash Borer
• USDA – Emerald Ash Borer

published: 2025/10/18 03:52:54