Maine officials tracking down ash trees bought at Lowe’s this spring, summer

AUGUSTA – The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry is seeking the public’s help locating ash trees sold at Lowe’s stores in Maine during spring and summer.
DACF Horticulture and Forest Health officials are concerned that the trees may contain emerald ash borer, an invasive insect that kills ash trees. The trees originated at a nursery in an EAB-infested and quarantined area. Customers bought 36 of the trees during spring and summer from Lowe’s stores in Auburn, Augusta, Bangor, Brewer, Brunswick, Portland, Sanford, Scarborough, Thomaston and Windham. The trees were potted, sold for $29.98, and labeled as Ash Green, Fraxinus pennsylvanica.
Customers who have not already been contacted by Lowe’s are asked to get in touch with Maine State Horticulture Program, by emailing bugwatch@maine.gov or calling 207-287-7545
DACF suggests that everyone refrain from planting any ash tree (Fraxinus, not mountain ash) and the white fringe tree (Chionanthus). Emerald ash borer is established in Maine, and infestations surround the state, in Vermont, New Hampshire, New Brunswick and Quebec. Ornamental ash trees in areas with EAB infestation require regular application of insecticides to survive and thrive. Visit maine.gov/eab for more information about emerald ash borer.
Lowe’s and Clinton Nurseries responded immediately to the ash tree incident, DACF said. The department and Lowe’s staff worked collaboratively to address the situation, inform customers who bought ash trees, and hang informational signs at Lowe’s stores throughout Maine.