Tree-Killing Bug Invasion Possible, Chatham Officials Warn

CHATHAM, N.J. – The Emerald Ash Borer is a real pest.

The metallic green insect native to Asia first appeared in New Jersey in 2014, and if it infests Ash trees, there’s a 99-percent chance the arbor will die.

And Chatham officials are putting residents on alert.

“Trees impact property values and salability of homes; they also impact air quality, energy costs, and soil erosion,” the borough said in a statement. “Chatham Borough Shade Tree Commission has coordinated with a Certified Tree Expert (CTE) to do an inventory to identify ash trees on borough property and public rights-of-way, to proactively address EAB as much as possible.”

As a result of the inventory, healthy ash trees will be treated and other ash trees will be removed and replaced with other tree species, the town said.

For more information about the Emerald Ash Borer, go here.