Neil Letson presents a program on the Emerald Ash Borer in Middle Tennessee.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) has determined that the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), an invasive insect that destroys ash trees has been found in Davidson County. The EAB is attacking all species of North American ash trees and unless treated, it will kill them all before the year 2026. No ash tree is immune to the devastating effects of this insect which has been in Davidson County since 2014 and Tennessee since 2010. Even white fringetree, a close relative of ash and often planted as a small ornamental tree, is vulnerable to EAB.
Neil Letson was born in Atlanta, GA. Raised in Mobile, AL Earned a B.S. in Forestry from University of Tennessee. Worked several years with forest products industries after college followed by a 33-year career with the Alabama Forestry Commission, which included a 10-year assignment to the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service (Auburn University) with a primary focus on urban forestry. Oversaw a technical assistance program to Alabama’s cities, towns, and communities, administered a federal grant program, and built working relationships with state and federal agencies, municipalities, nonprofits, and private sector businesses. Retired in 2012. Moved with wife Cheryl to Nashville TN. Started Village Trees, LLC and provide urban forestry consulting services. Currently, serve as a volunteer member of the Metro Tree Advisory Committee and the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council.
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https://www.nashville.gov/Public-Works/Community-Beautification/Tree-Information.aspx