If your ash tree has so far withstood the onslaught of the emerald ash borer, one local business carries products that may be able help you win the battle.

But you'd better move fast.

ACECAP 97, a product that comprises a set of systemic insectoid tree implants and is available locally at Carefree Lawn Center, 2805 Van Horn Road in Trenton, is best applied in early spring.

ACECAP 97 is among the first products identified by American scientific researchers as effective in treating trees infested with the emerald ash borer, a beetle that came to this country in about 2002 from its native Asia - most likely through wood packing materials - and has destroyed 8 to 10 million trees in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio.

"The best time to use it is in April or May," says Carefree owner Richard Gabri. "At this point - before the larvae hatch - you're able to kill all the eggs in there and prevent it from destroying your tree."

ACECAP 97 is applied by drilling a series of 3/8-inch holes into the tree's trunk and inserting the capsules, which release a low dosage of chemicals into the tree to kill the borer's eggs.

"You can cure a 10- to 14-inch tree for $16.95," Gabri says, adding that because the product is released directly into the tree, ACECAP 97 poses no threat to children or pets. Larger packages are available for lots with more ash trees.

Gabri says trees that are still 60 percent to 70 percent intact are the best candidates for treatment using ACECAP 97. Trees invaded by the borer can be identified by the holes in the trunk left by the insect, as well by dying branches at the top, or canopy.

Trees as small as 1 1/2 to 3 inches or bushes can be treated with Mini ACECAP, in combination with Bayer Tree & Shrub Insect Control soil drench, which also is available at Carefree and is best applied in May and June.

ACECAP 97 was recommended in a recent issue of Michigan State University's Landscape Alert as one of the most effective products for battling the emerald ash borer, which now can be found in trees in Wayne, Monroe, Macomb, St.Clair, Lenawee, Washtenaw, Oakland, Lapeer, Hillsdale, Jackson, Livingston, Genesee, Ingham, Shiawassee, Saginaw, Branch, Calhoun, Eaton, Clinton and Gratiot counties.

MSU researchers were among the first to identify ACECAP 97 as an effective treatment for the borer, and Carefree Lawn Center , is one of just a handful of retailers in metro Detroit to carry ACECAP 97.

For more information call (734) 675-4745 or visit www.carefreelawncenter.net online.