The latest on the Emerald Ash Borer

I’d like to personally update you all with the current Emerald Ash Borer situation in the greater Kansas City area:

• If you have ash trees and haven't yet had them inspected, it's important that you do so as soon as possible to know your options. 
• This insect at the present time only affects ash trees and even if you've had yours regularly inspected, it's always wise to keep abreast of current information.

 This may sound melodramatic but trust us, it's accurate;  The Emerald Ash Borer will likely kill every untreated green and white ash tree in the greater Kansas City Metropolitan area if action is not taken – and soon.  This pest is already responsible for the destruction of millions of ash trees in North America – and trillions more throughout the world.  In fact, this insect will become the most destructive pest in history, in terms of actual dollar loss to individualsm, businesses and municipalities.  It honestly cannot be ignored.  Interestingly enough, there are many who are still not aware of this menace, so we're going to arm you with the information you need now.  

How to Identify Ash Trees

Ash trees are one of only a few trees with opposing branches and leaves.  An easy way to remember the main trees with this quality is by the acronym MADhorse (maple, ash, dogwood, horse chestnut).  Branches may not always seem opposing if one has died or fallen off, so use caution.  Look for compound leaves with 1 leaf and 7 leaflets and for the distinctive bark which has deep and jagged grooves.

Should you Save or Remove Your Ash?

Determining the worth of a tree isn't always easy and in the end, it's up to you, the homeowner to decide.  Treatments are reasonable for trees of high value.If you decide not to treat, the next issue iis to decide when to remove the tret. Do not let the tree die and then call for help.  Ash trees become brittle soon after they die.  This makes the trees more hazardous to life and property while standing – and also more difficult and expensive to remove.  If you need an expert opinion, we're here to give the honest facts.

How to Identify Ash Tree Borers and Tree Damage:

Beccause the EAB's interrupt the phloem, nutrients aren't able to travel to the top of the tree and the tree dies from the top down.  If you see the D shaped exit holes in the trunk and dead foliage at the top, your tree has likely had EAB for 3 years adn treatment may not be an option.  Woodpecker damage is common with EAB infestation and trails are visible when the bark is pulled away.

How to Determine the Value of your Ash

• Is it currently healthy?
• Does it provide shade to your home, lowering your utility bill?
• What is the value of the tree to the property and in curb value?
• Is the tree high provile and you could not possibly live without it?
• Is the tree in a favorable location?
• Does the tree have sentimental or historical value?

HTC Estimates: Client Homeowner, Fee Based, We come to You

If you are a client we have done work for in the past, we will visit your property at no charge. If you would like an arborist to look at your ash tree or trees at a residential home less than 1/2 acre in size, let us know.  Our arborist can determien if the value of the tree is worth the cost of annual or biannual treatment for a period of years.  There is a $75.00 fee which is refunded back for any one-time treatment that is greater than $400.00  This fee covers an ash tree inventory we complete on your property.  We measure, determine the worth of saving, advise on all options and give you a quote.

Commercial Property Program

Our Comercial Property Program is specifically designed for commercial property or large property owners with many trees on their grounds.  This is a web portal program that allows us to inventory and "tag" each unique tree on your property along with it's location and subsequently provide you a customized print-out with detailed treatments and status on each tree.  If you would like to discuss how this specialized program works, give us a call at 816 523-1181, or email joe@hendricksontreecare.com.

Homeowner – Free of Charge Program 

We want to do what we can to help in all your tree needs.  If you need quotes on only EAB treatments, we can assist with your measurements via email.  Here's what you do:

 Measure your tree(s) for diameter at breast height or DBH using the below method.  

 At 4-1/2 feet above the ground, wrap a measuring tape around the trunk of the tree. Divide the measurement by 3.14 to get the diameter, also known as DBH (diameter at breast height).

Determining DBH for trees with multiple stems. If you have a tree with multiple stems, measure the diameter of each stem.

2 stem tree – add the two stems DBH and then divide by 2
3 Stem tree – add the three stems DBH  and divide by 2.60
4 Stem tree – add the four stems DBH  and divide by 3.40

Send us an email with your  name, address and phone number, the location (front, NE, back, SW, etc.) and photo of each tree (if desired) and the DBH of each tree.

We will send you an estimate via return email based on your initial measurements and photos.  If you approve the estimate we will treat your trees. 

Note:  When we perform the treatment we will measure your tree and bill you on the size based upon our measurements. DBH is only one aspect we look at when determining the correct dosage for the treat