FORT COLLINS, Colo. – When considering a tree care professional to help manage your ash trees for emerald ash borer (EAB), here are some things to consider:
- Don’t be pressured by door-to-door salespeople to treat or remove your ash tree. There are independent resources, such as your county CSU Extension office or your city forester, which can help you decide if treatment or removal are warranted.
- Be an informed consumer. Colorado’s emerald ash borer response website has many resources to help homeowners better understand what is involved in treating or removing an ash tree, including a Decision Guide to help you decide if the tree is worth treating.
- Ask for a free estimate. Get at least three quotes for any treatment, removal or other tree work. You may find that prices vary widely.
- Prices can vary. If you’re planning the use of chemical treatments to protect ash trees from EAB, be aware that the price of these treatments depends on several factors, including the company applying the treatment, the size of the tree and the chemical treatment used.
- Make sure the individual or company is licensed (if required by your city) and insured.
- Ask for references. Don’t be afraid to request these from the individual/ company.
- Verify certification. Any individual or company that applies pesticides in the state must be certified by the Colorado Department of Agriculture. Homeowners can contact the CDA to verify an applicator’s certification.
Other resources
Other resources- The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) website has a search feature that will allow you to find a certified arborist in your area or verify an arborist’s credentials. While this is not a guarantee of the quality of work, ISA-certified arborists are required to receive continuing education to maintain their certification.
- The ISA also offers general information about hiring an arborist, and why ISA-certified arborists are a good choice, here: https://www.treesaregood.org/portals/0/docs/treecare/hire_arborist.pdf
- The City of Boulder and City of Denver also offer lists of licensed and insured arborist contractors, many of which also operate in other Metro-area cities. These individuals undergo a licensing process with the certifying city, including carrying proper insurance; note that this does not include a guarantee for quality of work.
- The Colorado Department of Agriculture’s pesticide group can answer questions about various treatment options, and can be reached at (303) 869-9066.