The Potential Economic Impacts of Emerald Ash Borer on Ohio Communities

A survey of 200 communities with individuals such as urban foresters who have assigned responsibilities for their urban tree resource was conducted to provide baseline data on ash density within Ohio communities. Sixty-seven communities responded, including the five largest cities in Ohio. Data represent 25% of the population of Ohio and 33% of communities surveyed. Losses in landscape value for ash trees within community boundaries were estimated to be between $0.8 (median-based) and $3.4 billion (mean-based) assuming the complete loss of ash resulting from the emerald ash borer (EAB), a recently introduced exotic pest of native ash species in the United States. Tree removal costs would be somewhat smaller and range between $0.7 and $2.9 billion based on reported medians and means, respectively. Tree replacement costs in Ohio communities, including streets, parks, and private properties, would range between $0.3 and $1.3 billion. In aggregate, the total losses for Ohio communities, including ash landscape losses, tree removal and replacements, are estimated to range between $1.8 and $7.6 billion for a single insect pest in a single state. The potential total costs in Ohio are estimated to be between $157,000 and $665,000 per 1000 residents. Communities can use these figures to begin developing contingency plans.