City realizes that EAB is coming

If you live in the lower part of Michigan, parts of Illinois, or lots of other spots that are hard hit by the emerald ash borer, you know that this pest kills a lot of trees. And that impacts lives in ways that are hard to envision unless you are there.

The people of Abingdon, Virginia know they are in the path of the EAB and are addressing the problem head-on, before the bug strikes. In a way, that seems fatalistic. But here is the reality of invasive pests once they are established-

“The people that don’t spend the money on treating the trees will spend it on removal cost,” (Town Arborist Kevin Sigmon) said, referring to the fall of the dead trees.

Preventing new infestations means you, yes you, might not have to face an expensive decision like that.