The emerald ash borer or EAB is a prolific pest which has spread across America since its accidental introduction in the 1990s. EAB is an invasive species from Asia, and thanks to its habit of feeding on ash trees and related species, it has become a serious threat to these trees in both natural and cultivated settings. If you have any ash trees on your property, you need professional tree care to inspect, treat, and potentially remove them.

Signs of an Infestation

EAB larvae tunnel beneath the bark of ash trees, feeding and growing until they’re ready for metamorphosis. Their tunneling creates long, snakelike tracks under the bark, and may also make it flake. The larvae tunnel deeper into the wood to pupate—then, when they emerge as adults, they chew tiny D-shaped holes in the bark to get out. These holes, along with flaking bark and larva tracks, are how you can identify an infestation.

Treatment

If a tree in your area is infected, the prognosis is grim: within ten years, you can expect all susceptible trees in the area to die. However, if your trees are still healthy, you may be able to prevent this fate. By injecting pesticide into the tree itself, your local service can make the wood inhospitable to the beetle and their larvae, potentially protecting the tree for up to three years at a time.

Removal

If your trees are heavily infested or have already been weakened, or if you simply aren’t interested in treating your ash trees, you’ll need removal instead of tree maintenance. Infected ash wood is safe to burn or use as mulch, or you can simply have a professional tree care company haul them away. In any case, it’s best to address the issue as soon as possible to help prevent the spread of EAB.

The emerald ash borer is potentially deadly tree parasite which should be taken seriously from the moment it appears. If you’ve lost trees to EAB, your landscaping can still recover. Consider planting more diverse species, and ask your local tree service how to protect them from future pests.

If you need professional tree care in Lindstrom or Center City, MN, choose Above All Tree Care. For 16 years, their experienced arborists have provided tree trimming, maintenance, and removal throughout the area, improving the homes and yards of all their clients. To schedule a visit, call them today at (651)257-2136 or get in touch online.