May 8, 2015
Emerald Ash Borer Confirmed in Polk County, Iowa
The emerald ash borer, the invasive beetle destructive to ash trees, has been positively identified for the first time in Polk County, Iowa, making this the 22nd county in Iowa where this invasive beetle has been found. Two infestations were confirmed, one in Urbandale and the second in West Des Moines.
Planting Container-Grown Trees
When planting a container-grown tree, dig a hole that is two to three times wider than the diameter of the container. The depth of the hole should be 2 to 3 inches less than the height of the soil ball. Slope the sides of the hole so the top is several inches wider than the bottom. In poorly drained soils, the depth of the hole should be approximately two-thirds of the height of the soil ball.