Emerald Ash Borer Facts for Texas Residents
The emerald ash borer is an invasive beetle that plagues Texas and a variety of other states. It first began its assault on ash trees in Michigan. The adults do not pose a hazard to the trees. However, the emerald ash borer larvae are the causes of the tree deaths. As noted by the Emerald Ash Borer Information Network, people may contribute to the pest’s spread by moving firewood with larvae in place.
What Emerald Ash Borer Larvae Look Like
The insect’s larva measures a little over an inch in length. Larvae are white. In this stage of development, the insects live under the ash tree’s bark. There, they move, feed, and create grooves in the tree’s phloem.
How Larvae Damage to Phloem Creates Tree Deaths
Phloem is the tissue of the tree’s inner trunk. It moves sugar and other organic compounds that generate during photosynthesis. As the larvae gradually destroy this layer of tissue, they inhibit the tree’s ability to move sugars to the roots. This does not happen overnight. However, you will notice that trees with more massive infestations die more quickly than those with just a few larvae in place. Eventually, the roots no longer receive sufficient nutrients, and the tree dies.
Why Borer Larvae Damage Costs Property Owners a Lot of Money
As the ash trees die, they become hazards. A dead tree loses its grip in the ground. Wind gusts and heavy rains can lead to downed trees as well as downed power lines. Therefore, property owners decide to have dead and dying trees removed. However, there is another option.
How a Certified Arborist Saves Your Tree and Money
Advanced Tree and Shrub Care Inc. are the Arborists at the tip of the spear in the science of this issue. We have it figured out, we understand risk, value and consult accordingly. Work with a us to explore the overall health of your ash trees. As a general rule of thumb, it is possible to save trees with less than 40 percent of crown damage. Most importantly, the expert can help you protect your ash trees before they show any signs of damage by emerald ash borer larvae. Examples include medicant delivery via trunk injections and/or root zone injection.
Contact us today to learn more about your options and set up an appointment with a certified arborist.