MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State plans to remove most of the 251 ash trees on its Manhattan campus in advance of an expected infestation from the emerald ash borer.
The insect is decimating the ash tree population as it moves west across the country.
Dave Bruton, a forester with the Kansas Forest Service, says the ash borer is not yet in Manhattan. He says the university is removing the trees now so it doesn’t have to take them all out at the same time when the emerald ash borer arrives.
The Manhattan Mercury reports the trees that will be removed are those with poor structure, serious defects or in poor locations. Replacement trees will be planted.
The ash trees will be milled for lumber to be used in design or capital building projects.