The Economic Impact of the Ash Tree Decline

You may have seen tall trees without leaves, in your backyard or on the roadside, even in the height of summer. More likely than not, these trees are Ash Trees. The Ash Trees are dying due to the invasive Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). According to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, the Emerald Ash Borer was first found in Somerset County, New Jersey in May, 2014. Since then, it has spread throughout the state.

There are 24.7 million Ash Trees at risk in New Jersey which is 9% of all forested areas in the state. Once a tree becomes infested, it lives for an average of another 3 to 4 years. However, 99% of Ash Trees die once infested, so it is important to take precautions.

The key to saving an Ash Tree is early intervention. According to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture website, “Woodpecker activity and damage on live trees is often an initial symptom of an EAB infestation.” If you notice this in Ash Trees trees on your property, follow the directions from the New Jersey Department of Agriculture at this link. Another clue that an Ash Tree is infested is if the canopy of leaves is thinning out. However, sometimes the Ash Tree can be too far along in its infestation. When an Ash Tree gets infested by an Emerald Ash Borer, it decreases and eventually stops the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients, causing the tree’s death. If the tree reaches this stage, insecticide will no longer be effective.

The state government warns that infested Ash Trees in populated areas have the potential to hurt people or damage structures. Infested trees also pose a risk to power lines. In 2024 alone, JCP&L is spending $32.5 million on tree trimming, part of an annual increase of $1.5 million, mainly in northern Jersey, including Warren Township. In 2022, 40% of power outages were caused by Ash Trees which is a much greater proportion of trees to power outages since only 9% of forested area in the state is made up of Ash Trees. In addition, in 2022, 84% of power outages caused by trees were not within JCP&L’s trimming areas. In 2023, that statistic rose to 86%. In fact, Warren Township has spent nearly $120,000 this year on tree removal, but the township cannot remove a tree on your private property.

So what can you do if an infested Ash Tree is on your property? First, try to treat it with insecticide. If that doesn’t work and the tree poses a risk to power lines, your property, or your physical wellbeing, unfortunately, the only solution is to cut down the tree. In Warren Township, you must have a tree permit to cut down any tree, and the permit costs $25. While the actual tree removal can be anywhere from $300 to $1500, it’s very important to protect the areas surrounding an infested tree from damage. Warren Township administrator, Mark Krane, said that “ensuring the safety of the residents and the roadways” is of the utmost priority.

The Ash Trees in New Jersey and North America are dying due to the invasive Emerald Ash Borer, resulting in ecological and economic implications. However, with the help of town and state residents along with early intervention, the Ash Trees can be saved, and if not, simply keeping an eye out for trees with a thinning canopy can help protect people, homes, and power lines.

Sources:

https://www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/pi/prog/whatiseab.html

https://www.firstenergycorp.com/newsroom/news_articles/tree-trimming-work-underway-to-min-power-outages-for-jcpl.html

https://www.firstenergycorp.com/newsroom/news_articles/jcp-l-s--34-million-tree-trimming-initiative-aims-to-reduce-impa.html