LUDLOW, Vt. – Jack Jacob is an arborist and lawn maintenance expert from South Londonderry who spoke to the Ludlow Rotary Club (LRC) about the loss of many tree species, such as ash, American chestnut, and elm trees. There is also a beech bark disease attacking local beech trees.
A major issue currently facing the Northeast is the emerald ash borer – a native of Southeast Asia, where there are natural controls – attacking ash trees. The first population was found in Michigan in 2002. The damage is concentrated in New England and the Midwest because of their weather conditions and large populations of ash trees. The disease does not discriminate between young, old, sick, or healthy trees.
Moving firewood is a huge problem in terms of spreading diseases. Monocultures are also a problem. Ash tree removal is the best option for larger stands because chemical treatment is too expensive for broad application, at $400 to $500 per tree. Trees must be removed before they are dead to protect any arborist who must climb the tree to remove it. Rotarians had many questions for Jacob as he ended his talk.
The LRC meets Tuesdays for lunch in Ludlow. The LRC is small and is always looking to welcome new members. If you would like to attend a meeting and learn how you may “serve humanity” while enjoying the fun and fellowship of others, please contact any rotarian or drop a note to Ludlow Rotary, P.O. Box 216, Ludlow, Vt.