Lakewood has confirmed its first case of emerald ash borer, an invasive insect that’s killed millions of North American ash trees, city officials said in a news release Thursday.
The insect was found “in a small area in central Lakewood” and confirmed by the Colorado State University extension office in Jefferson County, Lakewood officials said.
Emerald ash borer beetles infest and kill green and white varieties of ash trees, including the popular autumn purple ash. Approximately 15% of urban trees are ash trees, according to the city.
City officials did not say when or where the beetles were found or how many trees were impacted and could not immediately be reached for comment.
Ash trees infested by the beetles can be identified through “D-shaped” exit holes, splitting bark and “S-shaped” tunnels under the bark, city Forestry Supervisor Luke Killoran said in a statement.
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Other signs include thinning tree canopy, abnormal shoots of growth, smaller leaves and lots of woodpecker activity.
In Colorado, the bugs were first found in Boulder County in 2013 and have since been confirmed in Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield and Larimer counties. Arvada’s first beetle was discovered in 2020.
Residents may be able to protect healthy trees through preventative insecticide treatments but should make sure to use a certified arborist licensed by the Colorado Department of Agriculture as a commercial pesticide applicator.
This is a developing story and may be updated.
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