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Partly cloudy. Low 37F. Winds light and variable.

Mike Rodenburgh, owner of Mike’s Tree Treatments, prepares chemicals to treat an ash tree east of Sioux Center. These solutions help ash trees combat emerald ash borers even after being infected.

After metal tubes are inserted near the base and the chemical treatment is initially pumped in, the ash tree’s own vascular system begins to take in the solution and distribute it throughout the rest of the tree to combat the emerald ash borer.

Mike Rodenburgh, owner of Mike’s Tree Treatments, prepares chemicals to treat an ash tree east of Sioux Center. These solutions help ash trees combat emerald ash borers even after being infected.

SIOUX CENTER—It takes decades for a tree to grow into maturity, its canopy providing much-needed shade from the strong summer sun. But those years of quiet growth can quickly be undone once a disease or insect infests it.

That’s where Mike’s Tree Treatments comes in. The business was started by Mike Rodenburgh, 57, of Sioux Center last spring to save ash trees throughout the region from emerald ash borers, even if the tree is already infected.

According to Rodenburgh, the adult beetles feed on ash tree leaves, which causes little damage overall. What does the most harm are the beetle’s larvae that feed on the inner bark enough to eventually kill the tree, as it cuts off the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients. It can only take two to four years for an infested tree to die.

Rodenburgh offers a free assessment of property owner’s ash trees by conducting an assessment on the tree and measuring its circumference to determine the amount of chemicals needed.

Chemicals are injected into the tree using a system of hoses and metal tubes that anchor into holes drilled into several locations at the base of the tree. A hand pump is initially used to move the fluid into the tree, but the tree’s own vascular system soon does the job on its own, drawing the medicine in and spreading it throughout the healthy parts of the tree where the vascular system is still intact.

After metal tubes are inserted near the base and the chemical treatment is initially pumped in, the ash tree’s own vascular system begins to take in the solution and distribute it throughout the rest of the tree to combat the emerald ash borer.

“If you have the patience, you can save a pretty damaged tree. But it might not be the same appearance it had before the bug infested it,” he said.

It’s not necessary to seal up the drilled holes after his work is done; the tree will quickly heal itself and the insecticide prevents other bugs from taking advantage of the opening.

“Once the beetle starts to feed on the leaves, they’ll die. That happens in a matter of hours,” Rodenburgh said.

When he’s done, he tags the tree with a coin-like medallion that has a number on it, which he registers in his own database so he can accurately monitor the tree through successive treatments, once every two years or so.

The sooner a tree is treated, the better the chances are of saving the tree.

Citing data from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Rodenburgh said saving ash trees can have practical — and economic — benefits, including savings on energy costs by providing shade for homes, cleaning the air, slowing stormwater runoff and raising property values.

Rodenburgh launched his new business May 1 after years of experience in lawncare and landscaping. For 26 years, he worked at Greenworld in Sioux Center and for nine years, he operated his own business, Mike’s Lawn Care Service. He sold Mike’s Lawn Care Service last spring to Chase Reichle to start this new venture.

Mike’s Tree Treatment focuses on combating the emerald ash borer, but if circumstances allow, he could expand the business in the future to address other tree diseases.

Property owners who have more questions for Rodenburgh or would like him to examine their trees may contact him at 712-441-4905.

Business: Mike’s Tree Treatments

SIOUX CENTER—For Bill Vande Hoef, joining the Navy was a chance to see the world.

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