Parks Preparing Ash Borer Defense

Louisville Metro Parks officials are preparing for the possible spread of the invasive Emerald Ash Borer.The insect decimates ash trees and has was recently discovered in Jefferson County. Parks Assistant Director Jerry Brown says about 13 percent of the trees near park paths are ash trees, and they will be almost impossible to protect with pesticides in case of a borer infestation."It...requires continuous applications of these treatments and over a period of time the success rate looks like it diminishes with larger, more mature trees," he says. "Ultimately, the tree's going to die…most likely."Brown says infected trees will likely need to be cut down, but given the relatively low percentage of ash trees, he doubts the loss will significantly change the appearance of Metro Parks.