City officials in Dubuque are taking action against the emerald ash borer. The city's Park Division is urging residents to treat their ash trees now before they become infected.
City Forester, Steve Pregler, says the EAB has probably been in the area for at least four years, but Dubuque officials didn't notice any symptoms until this spring. Most of the beetles have been found in the south end of the city, after traveling along the Mississippi River.
So far, the city has treated about 350 trees and plans to treat another 350 this year. Nearly 80 trees on public property have been removed after being infested.
Pregler says it's important to treat ash trees before they're infected with the emerald ash borer, which is why Dubuque residents should act now.
Pregler says April and May are the ideal months to treat ash trees, and the city plans to hold public information meetings, and is posting information on its website.
Also, National Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week is coming up next month starting on May 22nd.