What is the Emerald Ash Borer?
The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a destructive exotic beetle that was discovered in southeastern Michigan near Detroit in the summer of 2002. The adult beetles nibble on the foliage of the ash tree but cause little damage. The larvae (the immature stage) feed on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients.
The consequences of ignoring the problem
The EAB has killed tens of millions of ash trees in 26 U.S. states and in Canada. It has caused regulatory agencies and the USDA to enforce quarantines and fines to prevent potentially infested trees, logs or hardwood from spreading further.
The EAB has most recently been detected as close as Texarkana and is threatening to invade the DFW Metroplex and surrounding areas if it has not done so already.
How to protect ash trees against these insects
A major challenge is that the EAB is hidden when it is doing its damage in the form of larva under the ash tree bark. Also, the adult form of the EAB is very small and can be very difficult to see. As a result, ash trees may be infested for several years before signs of the problem are evident. The best way to address the EAB problem is with preventative treatments by an arboricultural professional as early as possible in the process.
Several medicaments have proven successful in controlling the EAB. These medicaments have been applied by topical application, root zone drenching and by trunk injection, with trunk injection being the preferred approach because:
- Spraying encounters problems with large trees, nearby buildings, parks or bodies of water
- Drenching effectiveness varies dependent on ground moisture, soils and weather
- Trunk injection delivers insecticide to the tree circulatory tissue without exposing humans and beneficial insects to medicines.
Trunk injections have been reported near 100% effective by the U.S. Forest Service and can provide up to 2 to 3 years of control against the insect.
CONSULT THE EXPERTS
Advanced Tree & Shrub Care offers complete Emerald Ash Borer services consistent with Integrated Pest Management Programs, including diagnosis, treatment or ash tree removal if needed.
Our ISA Certified Arborist comes to your property and:
- Identifies and confirms the ash species
- Evaluates the overall health of the tree(s) and any signs of infestation
- Prescribes protection options and estimated costs based on the number and size of the tree(s)
The prescribed injections are then performed by our State of Texas Certified Pesticide Applicator. If you chose to remove any infested or threatened ash trees, our professional Tree Surgery Team will safely remove them and properly dispose of all removed material.
DON’T TAKE THE CHANCE OF WAITING TOO LONG TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM! CALL US NOW FOR PROFESSIONAL EMERALD ASH BORER CONSULTATION AND PREVENTATIVE TREATMENT.