SpringfieldNewsSun.com

SPRINGFIELD — The National Trail Parks and Recreation District hopes a shot in the limb will ward off a nasty pest.

The district is using an injection system to treat about 500 of its ash trees, hoping to stave off an emerald ash borer infestation until a permanent solution to the pest can be found.

The district has about 1,350 ash trees, including some that are 75 to 100 years old, horticulturist Steve Hawkins said.

"If we lose them, it will be many generations before we see that big a tree again," he said.

The emerald ash borer has killed millions of ash trees in Michigan, Canada and northern Ohio.

It has been found nearby, including in Miami County.

The district received a $699 grant from Arbor-Jet for the injection system, which isn't available to consumers. A $4,000 private donation is paying for the material, Imidacloprid, which kills the borer larvae when eaten.

Research has shown some positive results with the chemical, which is available in different application systems to consumers, said Pam Bennett, Ohio State Extension horticulture educator.

"It is showing some promise to help control the pest, if you get it in the early stages," Bennett said.

The chemical also must be applied annually, she said.

National Trail started using the chemical about three weeks ago and will apply it to trees in high traffic areas.

The district also is planting a diverse mix of new trees.

The chemical might save the trees and is cheaper than cutting down infested trees, said Mark Miller, marketing/special projects manager.

"Not only is it good ecologically, economically it's huge," he said.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0363 or ssommer@coxohio.com.