Rooted in the Valley: Emerald Ash Borer Mitigation

Macy Schlaht
5 days ago
3 min read

Valley City’s parks are defined by their sweeping canopies, shaded paths, and the rich sense of place created by generations of trees. As stewards of this landscape, Valley City Parks and Recreation is committed to protecting the health, beauty, and long-term sustainability of our urban forest. And one of the greatest threats facing communities across the Midwest—and now here in North Dakota—is the emerald ash borer (EAB).

Did you know, once infested by emerald ash borer, an ash tree can die in as little as two years?

What is the Emerald Ash Borer?

The emerald ash borer is a small, metallic green beetle native to Asia. While tiny in size, it causes massive damage. After the adult beetle lays eggs on ash trees, the hatched larvae burrow beneath the bark and feed on the tree’s vascular system—the tissue responsible for transporting water and nutrients. This feeding disrupts the tree’s ability to survive, often leading to death within just a few years.

EAB spread rapidly across the United States and has already killed tens of millions of ash trees nationwide. Because ash trees make up a significant portion of Valley City’s tree canopy, the arrival of EAB poses a very real and urgent concern for the future of our parks.

How EAB Threatens Our Tree Canopy:

Emerald ash borer infestations are especially harmful because:

Damage happens from the inside out, making early detection difficult.
All species of ash trees are susceptible, regardless of age or health.
Infestations spread quickly, often before symptoms are visible.
Tree mortality rates approach 100% without intervention.

For a community like ours—where mature ash trees shape many of our parks, walking paths, and river corridors—the risk of widespread loss is significant. Losing these trees would affect everything from shade and stormwater control to wildlife habitat and the overall experience of visiting our parks.

Mitigation, Protection, and Renewal

To safeguard our urban forest, Valley City Parks and Recreation is implementing a proactive, multi-layered plan focused on mitigating risk, protecting high-value trees, and strengthening the long-term resilience of our canopy.

1. Strategic Removal and Replacement

We are currently identifying and removing ash trees that are unhealthy, weak, or too young to preserve. This allows us to get ahead of potential infestations while avoiding a sudden wave of mass tree loss later.

With the help of grants, ash trees removed in our parks are to be replaced at a 1:1 ratio with a diverse mix of species including elm, poplar, and oak. Our priority is building a healthier, more resilient canopy—one that isn’t dependent on a single type of tree and can better withstand future pests, diseases, and climate challenges.

2. Quantum Injector Treatment

Not all trees are easily replaced—especially the large, mature ash trees that define many of our park spaces. These trees contribute decades of growth, shade, habitat, and history.

We are researching the option to use a quantum injector system—a specialized treatment method designed to deliver protective compounds directly into a tree’s vascular system. The goal would be to strengthen these high-value ash trees and improve their chances of surviving potential emerald ash borer infestations.

We recognize that our tree canopy is one of the most beautiful and beloved features of our park system. It’s part of what makes Valley City special as a Tree City—and it’s our responsibility to care for it with both urgency and intention.

By removing at-risk ash trees now, replanting with a diverse selection of species, and actively protecting our biggest trees, we’re working to preserve the green spaces our community cherishes. This work ensures that today’s parks will continue to grow, thrive, and inspire future generations.

See our community's urban forest here: https://ndcitytrees.org/NorthDakota/

Learn more about Emerald Ash Borer here: https://www.ndda.nd.gov/eab