Throughout this month, K-State’s Division of Facilities will continue removing trees on campus to prevent infestations of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). This invasive insect, named for its metallic green color, feeds on ash trees.
“Because this is an invasive pest, it really doesn’t have any natural predators, and it is progressively spreading, feeding exclusively on ash trees, primarily green and white ash here in Kansas,” Shad Hufnagel, forest health coordinator for the Kansas Forest Service, said. “Through the larva stage, the larvae feed on the vascular system of the tree, essentially disrupting its vascular system, causing eventual decline and death.”
Though EAB hasn’t been detected in any trees on K-State’s campus yet, Landscape Services superintendent Steven Snyder said they’re taking a proactive approach, with reports of the insect as close as Wamego.
“Emerald Ash Borer is highly aggressive, and few ash trees can survive once an infestation occurs,” he said. “As such, most ash trees will be removed.”
Hufnagel said signs of EAB infestation include declining crowns and vegetative growth near the base of the tree.
“In addition to that, in later stages we’ll also look for exit holes on the bark of the tree, and on some of the limbs and branches we’ll see very distinct D-shaped exit holes from where the adults emerge from the tree after overwintering in it.”
Though there are other treatment options available, Snyder said tree removal is the most effective way to stop EAB.
“Chemical insecticide treatments may be used to protect and preserve high-value ash trees. … This treatment is costly and does not guarantee long-term survival.”
Facilities prioritizes sustainability during this project, aiming to replace the trees lost.
“It is standard practice to plant two trees for every one tree removed,” Snyder said. “However, this can be challenging with limited budgets. Even so, more than 60 trees were planted on campus this year alone. Our goal is to replace the ash tree inventory over the next ten years.”
Snyder said they also plan to diversify the species of trees on campus so future outbreaks of invasive species will cause less damage.
“A historical example of this is Dutch elm disease, which eliminated much of the American elm population decades ago, he said. “By diversifying our tree palette, we reduce the overall risk of significant canopy loss in the future.”
With thousands of students walking K-State’s footpaths each day, the route to class for many includes passing under branches. Snyder said the tree removal project protects not only the campus foliage, but students as well.
“Once affected, ash trees decline rapidly and become brittle after death, creating significant safety hazards.”
Facilities does not have a set timeline for this project, but removals are expected to continue throughout the semester.
“The timeline for tree removals can be challenging due to campus traffic and the location of the trees within the landscape,” Snyder said. “Patrick [Standlee, arborist for facilities grounds maintenance]’s approach is to begin removals in more remote areas and gradually work toward the heart of campus during summer or seasonal breaks.”
By working in more populated areas while school is out of session, the Division of Facilities will minimize disruption.
Melissa Richtarik, senior in horticulture and landscaping, said tree loss now is a small price to pay for future foliage health on campus.
“The trees provide a lot of benefits, from social, recreation, aestheticness, mental health, oxygen — There’s studies that [trees] reduce crime. … So it’s important to do tree removal when needed.”
As a Tree Campus USA institution, Snyder said caring for campus trees also ensures students are provided with a top-notch learning experience.
“K-State is recognized for responsible tree management and meaningful engagement of students in urban forestry initiatives,” Snyder said. “Maintaining strong tree health ensures we honor this legacy, meet program standards and preserve these irreplaceable resources for future Wildcats.”
