If you have an ash tree in your yard that is having problems, this can be due to many things. One possible cause is a pest infestation. There are many different pests that can affect this type of tree. One of these pests is the emerald ash borer. Below is information about this pest and how it can affect an ash tree. You will also find information on the damage this pest can cause, as well as what you can do about it.
Emerald Ash Borer
The emerald ash borer (EAB) is a common pest that feeds on ash trees. The female borer first lays eggs in the crevices on the bark. The eggs hatch into larvae and the larvae start to eat the bark until they become adults, which takes about a year. The larvae look like white worms. The adult emerald ash borer is green and red and has wings that spread.
If you live in an area where ash trees grow natively, these pests generally do not cause problems. If you do not live in a native area, however, the emerald ash borer can cause a lot of damage to this tree.
Signs of Damage Caused By Emerald Ash Borer
If your ash tree is damaged by the emerald ash borer you will see the canopy start to thin drastically and the crown will die back. There will be suckers on the bark. You will also see exit holes from when the larvae became adults. These holes are generally shaped like the letter D. The larvae cause holes in the trees that are shaped like the letter S.
Over time this pest will take over all the bark on the tree and the bark will then start to fall off the tree. The leaves will die and fall prematurely. If there are pests in the trees this will also draw woodpeckers, as they like to eat these pests. This can cause further problems as the woodpecker will make holes in the affected tree.
Emerald Ash Borer Damage Treatment
If your tree is infested with this pest the only thing you can do is to remove the tree. Hire a tree service to do this for you. They will make sure all wood is burnt or damaged in some other way so the pest will not spread to your other trees. If you have other ash trees near this tree they should be treated immediately.
If your tree is not infested and it does not have extensive damage, the tree service company can treat the tree with special insecticides to kill the eggs before they have time to hatch, or larvae before they have a chance to become adults. This insecticide will also kill adult emerald ash borers. The insecticide is injected into the tree in different areas. The soil around the tree is also injected with the insecticide.
The tree service company will need to come back a few times to make sure all emerald ash borers are killed. They may have to treat your tree more than once.
Contact a tree service company in your area to learn more about emerald ash borer treatment and prevention.
