Emerald Ash Borer

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An invasive insect killing millions of ash trees

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Update

(Post Date: 01/28/2022) As of September 2021, dead and dying ash trees are obvious throughout our City, and the number of dead or declining trees has easily tripled over the past twelve months. With thousands of ash trees throughout West Des Moines, our tree canopy will take a major hit over the next couple of years. To help restore some of our lost tree canopy, the City is committed to an aggressive tree planting blitz over the next several years. City-owned properties, including parking strips along streets, will be assessed for their tree planting potential. Also the popular Shade Crusade program will continue to provide residents with the opportunity to purchase high-quality landscape-sized trees at a reduced price.

City Code 7-10-7E (Dead, Diseased or Insect Ridden Trees or Shrubs) addresses hazardous trees on private and public property by stating their removal can be required. Beginning in 2021, the City requires the removal of ash trees determined to have a high potential for failure. Trees that may impact streets, sidewalks, neighboring structures and utilities will be of greatest concern. The City recognizes that tree removal is expensive and the past couple of years have been a challenge for many residents, but it would be irresponsible to disregard the threat these trees pose to the public.

If you have an ash tree on your property, you may expect the following:

Dead/dying ash tree is identified and all or a portion is determined to pose a hazard to the public, public utilities or infrastructure, private infrastructure, or vegetation.
Per City Code 7-10-10 (Violation Notice & Assessment), property owner will be notified by personal service or certified mail with return receipt required, and regular mail, requiring the remediation of identified hazard(s) within fourteen (14) calendar days of notification. If contractor availability is an issue, an extension may be granted.
If property owner fails to remediate the hazard(s) within the allotted time frame, the City will utilize its contracted vendor to remediate the identified hazard(s). City will assess the property owner's taxes as reimbursement for the removal fee incurred by the City.

If you have any questions, contact Public Services at (515) 222-3480 or by email at publicservices@wdm.iowa.gov.

About Emerald Ash Borer

The emerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive insect that has killed tens of millions of ash trees since it was first discovered in 2002. EAB kills all ash tree species and is considered to be one of the most destructive tree pests ever seen in North America. The larvae of the insect feed on live tree tissue, damaging the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients. Signs that a tree may be infested with the ash borer include thinning or dying branches in the top of the tree, evidence of excessive woodpecker activity, numerous sprouts anywhere on the tree and/or the presence of EAB larvae or adult insects.

Dead and dying ash trees are a very significant risk, not only to the property owner, but to anyone or anything within reach of the tree’s canopy. Since all uptake of water has been shut off by the insect, the wood dries out quickly and becomes extremely brittle. Branches will fail in perfectly calm conditions creating potentially devastating impacts.

It’s important to note that dead, dying and/or diseased trees on private property that pose a risk to neighboring property can be deemed a nuisance and their removal can be required by the City. It’s imperative for property owners with ash trees not currently being treated, to have their tree(s) assessed by a private licensed professional and then either treated or removed.

Well before EAB was confirmed in Polk County, the City of West Des Moines was proceeding with implementation of the City's EAB Management Plan (PDF) as if the insect was already here. The Parks & Recreation Department assessed all public ash trees. These included over 1,100 trees in parks, street right-of-way, street medians, and around city buildings. This information was utilized by the City's Urban Forestry Supervisor to schedule pre-emptive ash tree removals. Preventative treatment of over 600 public ash trees began in May 2015. Most trees removed from City parks, medians, city facilities and parking lots were replaced using a variety of species from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Ash Replacement List. Trees removed from street right-of-way will not be replaced by the City. Replacement of street trees by adjacent property owners will likely not be possible where underground utilities are present or where space is limited.

Steps for Private Property Owners

Identify any ash trees on your property.
Look for possible signs of EAB – sprouts on the trunk, dead or dying tree canopy, excessive woodpecker activity, and/or the presence of EAB larvae or adult insects.
If EAB is confirmed, it is the property owner’s responsibility to remove dead and dying ash trees on private property. To find a qualified tree care professional, check out the ISU Extension List of Certified Arborists.
Treatment options are available and may be a good choice for protecting your ash tree.

Learn more about EAB at IowaTreePests.com.