Over the next few weeks, Facilities Management (FM) Outdoor Services will engage in responses to the European Elm Scale infestation in our campus elm trees. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies used against this pest include the injection of insecticides directly into the trunks of threatened or infested trees.
Weather permitting, on or after June 27, staff will facilitate applications of the insecticide Azasol (Azadirachtin) to 11 elm trees on the west side of Main Campus on and around Norlin Quad. Azasol has EPA Reg. No. 81899-4.
The applications will occur on 11 trees. These trees have been infested with European Elm Scale for decades, leading to severe deficits in their vigor, health and appearance. The treatments will be performed by trunk injection, directly applying the insecticides into the cambium of the tree. This method delivers the product to the target insects, greatly minimizing exposure to non-targeted animal or plant species.
Professional applicators, licensed by the State of Colorado, will be conducting the trunk injections. As a further effort to ensure the highest standard of health and environmental protection, FM staff will accompany the contracted applicators to ensure only predetermined locations receive a treatment and that all necessary precautions are taken to avoid non-target impacts.
Guidelines for pesticide use are generally described in the campus pest control policy. These applications are one of many tools used as part of an integrated approach to landscape management. The trees will continue to receive supplemental watering and cultural care, and will be monitored closely for treatment efficacy and overall health.
FM staff will also be placing yellow application notice flags at the base of all trees, indicating where each application was made. Law requires that these flags remain in place for 24 hours after an application has been made. In the interest of keeping the campus community informed, staff will leave these flags in place for one full week after the application occurs.
Please do not hesitate to contact Facilities Management if you should have any questions or concerns. You may reach Outdoor Services Assistant Director Don Inglis at 303-735-6311 or donald.inglis@colorado.edu. Or you can reach Environmental Services Assistant Director Robert Lenahan at 303-735-3627 or robert.lenahan@colorado.edu.
