If you've driven through the mountains, you've likely noticed the effects of the emerald ash borer (EAB) — an invasive beetle that is destroying trees across the U.S.

Luckily, the beetle has not reached Greeley yet, but it is only a matter of time.

The EAB is already present in Berthoud. Officials fear it could soon transfer to Greeley, which has numerous vulnerable ash trees in its forests.

They have been preparing for the inevitable since 2014 with their Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan, which works to educate the public on how to identify and avoid the beetles.

The city has officially launched the next part of the plan, titled the Residential Ash Treatment Program.

The program allows Greeley residents to submit an application to the city to have their properties inspected.

Inspections will notify residents of their trees' size and condition. Residents then pay the city to provide preventative treatments to their trees.

A tree receiving a preventative treatment against EAB. Courtesy of the City of Greeley.
A tree receiving a preventative treatment against EAB. Courtesy of the City of Greeley.
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Costs will vary depending on the size of a tree, but the more people participate, the lower the prices will be.

According to a press release from the City of Greeley, residents can save up to 40% by choosing this public program over private ones.

The program will help avoid the need to remove trees once the EAB reaches Greeley, hopefully preserving some of the city's ash tree population.

You can find more information and sign up for the program here.

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