Beware the Emerald Ash Borer
What is Wrong With My Ash Tree?
Ash trees all along the midwest and eastern United States, and parts of Canada, have fallen victim to the unfortunate Emerald Ash Borer. It has caused the death of millions of trees in the affected region, and the region continues to grow.
The Emerald Ash Borer is an invasive beetle that tunnels and feeds under the bark of Ash trees, slowly killing the trees. It is important to understand what the Emerald Ash Borer is, what to look for if your tree is infected, and what to do if you think you have an infected tree.
What is the Emerald Ash Borer?
The Emerald Ash Borer is a bright, metallic green beetle that is originally from Asia. The first confirmed case of Emerald Ash Borer in North America occurred in Southeast Michigan in 2002. It is believed to have arrived from a cargo ship containing wooden crates. The larvae of the Emerald Ash Borer is what does the most damage to the Ash trees. The larvae tunnel and feed under the bark, affecting the transportation of vital nutrients and water the tree needs to survive. Once they become adults, they emerge from the bark in the spring and the females begin laying their eggs on the bark of Ash trees, continuing the spread of the infestation.
Signs of Emerald Ash Borer Infestation
The Emerald Ash Borer larvae are hard to see because they tunnel under the bark of the Ash tree. There are several signs that you can look for to determine if there is an infestation with your Ash tree.
- Increased woodpecker activity on the tree.
- Thinning of the tree’s canopy with dieback starting from the top and working its way down.
- Vertical cracks in the bark along the trunk and larger branches.
- D-shaped exit holes in the bark.
- Increased growth of sprouts at the base of the tree.
- S-shaped tunneling under the bark.
What To Do if a Tree is Infected with Emerald Ash Borer?
If you suspect you have an infestation of the Emerald Ash Borer in your tree, contact your local arborist or tree company to discuss your options.
It is critical to use only local firewood to help prevent the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer. Firewood can harbor the invasive beetle and the infestation can spread to the local Ash trees in the area you transport them to. Everyone must do their part to stop the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer before all of the Wisconsin’s Ash trees are lost.
References
- “About The Emerald Ash Borer.” Emerald Ash Borer Network, https://www.emeraldashborer.info/about-eab.
- Wilson, Mary and Eric Rebek. “Signs and Symptoms of the Emerald Ash Borer.” Michigan State University Extension, Extension Bulletin E-2938, 2005. Emerald Ash Borer Network, https://www.emeraldashborer.info/documents/E-2938.pdf.
- Weeks, Ron, Jr. “Emerald Ash Borer.” US Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 7 June 2024. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-pests-diseases/eab.
- “Emerald Ash Borer.” Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/foresthealth/emeraldashborer.
- “Emerald Ash Borer (EAB): Signs of Emerald Ash Borer Infestation.” Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service. https://dnr.maryland.gov/forests/Pages/ForestHealth/Signs-of-Emerald-Ash-Borer.aspx.
