Calculator helps budget for tree pest

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - The Emerald Ash Borer is an insect that destroys ash trees and can cost cities millions of dollars.

There are three options for managing the emerald ash borer; treat the infected trees with insecticides, remove the trees or replace them.

Entomologist Cliff Sadoff developed the ash borer calculator, which he said can help cities and homeowners figure out which option is best for them.

"Most of the major cities are going to have to come up with some sort of management plan. And it's going to cost some cities multiple millions of dollars to deal with it," said Sadof.

Ash trees can be found all over West Lafayette, from Sagamore Parkway to Purdue University, on public property and in front yards. Three years ago the emerald ash borer was discovered in White County. Sadof said it's only a matter of time before it makes its way to Tippecanoe County, and with about 15,000 ash trees in our area, he says the area needs to be prepared.

"Many cities have no idea what they're in for when it comes to the emerald ash borer," said Sadof. "I developed the calculator so that cities could have an idea of how much of an ash liability they have."

Sadof said by typing the number of ash trees and their size into the calculator, you can have a better idea of what your budget is in for.

"One of the things that we do with the calculator is we allow cities to compare the prices of removing all the trees, replacing all the trees, or treating all the trees," said Sadof. "The calculator is beneficial because it will help them plan."

That planning isn't limited to just cities. Sadof said homeowners with ash trees can use it as well.

"A homeowner could actually use that for an individual treating to get an idea of how much one tree would cost. How much it would cost to remove a tree or replace a tree and how much tree would be left," said Sadof.

Sadof said if cities are not prepared to deal with infected trees, the problem could become more costly.

He said dead trees can fall on houses, damage property and hurt people.

He said it's better to know in advance how to take care of the infected trees before they reach that point.

You can access Sadof's calculator by clicking here.