Posted: Nov. 3, 2009

Franklin — The city's Environmental Commission is leaning towards the removal and replacement of the ash trees infested with emerald ash borers.

Sharon Kust, a member of the Emerald Ash Borer Subcommittee, said the committee is trawling through a wealth of information on possible treatment plans, but thus far the committee has not agreed on a comprehensive plan for Franklin's ash trees.

What is clear is that trees damaged by the beetle will be removed and new trees will be planted in their place.

The fast-spreading culprit

The emerald ash borer was found in Franklin in August on 35th Street and Hilltop Lane, near Southwood Glen Elementary School.

Franklin holds thousand of ash trees that could easily fall prey to the quickly spreading beetle, whose larvae feed on the inner bark of the tree, disrupting the tree's ability to transport water and nutrients.

Since it fist came to America in 2002, tens of millions of ash trees have been destroyed and cut down because of the beetle. Most ash trees die in three years.

To treat or chop?

The emerald ash borer has proved exceedingly difficult to manage.

The University of Michigan, in the state hardest-hit by the beetle, has done several research studies. They conclude that, while treatment is effective in some trees, there is no comprehensive treatment plan that will definitely save the trees.

The treatment involves insecticides and a lot of luck.

"There's just no guarantee any treatment will work," Kust said.

In one instance, thousands of ash trees were chopped down before the beetle had a chance to even attack them. However, Kust said such a drastic effort to stop the spread will not happen in Franklin.

The committee is also going over an option that would allow residents to fill out a form if they want a tree treated in an effort to save it - though, again, with an understanding that such treatments may not yield that result.

More to discuss

There are options, however, that at least suggest wood could safely be harvested from trees that are removed.

"As long as it's debarked, the inner wood can be used profitably," Kust said. "We also have access to a superfine wood chipper which kills the borer."

The Environmental Committee will hold another meeting Nov. 10, this time with the Public Works Committee.

They have to present a policy to the Common Council on or before Dec. 31. The Common Council will make the final call of a management plan.