DO I HAVE EMERALD ASH BORER IN MY ASH TREES?

Today Forester Jeff will complete his four-part series on the Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis). We will look at how to determine if the ash tree has Emerald Ash Borer. Early diagnosis can be tricky, since the beetle is so small, and damage occurs first in the top of the tree. Obvious signs may be thinning of the crown (growing area of the tree), entire sections dying or large amounts of sucker (epicormic) branches originating close to the main trunk.   I must caution you that there are many other ash problems, such as ash yellows or drought stress that can mimic Emerald Ash Borer damage. Other signs include large amounts of woodpecker damage on the trunk as the birds seek out the Emerald Ash Borer for food. Lastly you will begin to observe small D shaped exit holes where the adult beetles have tunneled out. Insecticide treatments are available, but only if administered before 40% crown dieback. Best treatment results occur when the ash tree is fully functional June – July. If you suspect your ash tree may have Emerald Ash Borer damage, please don’t wait! Contact your local Licensed Arborist or State Forester. There are several websites available for Emerald Ash Borer information. One good site is www.emeraldashborer-info If you need additional information on any of Forester Jeff topics, please email him at [email protected]

Stay tuned for more tree and shrub information from Forester Jeff!