Ask the Experts

Beware of Emerald Ash Borers

Beware of Emerald Ash Borers

There are a lot of species of borer insects, and they come in various sizes and colors. However, they share one thing in common: they can be incredibly destructive.

Since its introduction to America in the early 2000s, the emerald ash borer has killed millions of ash trees, and can kill them within 3 years of infestation. The Texas A & M AgriLife Extension Office reported its first sighting in Harrison County, East Texas. These small beetles are native to Asia, but they have managed to invade 35 states, including Texas.

What is an emerald ash borer?

About half an inch in length, the emerald ash borer is a tiny, but powerfully invasive wood-boring beetle. It is emerald in color, and the devastation it can cause is enormous. Adult beetles deposit eggs on the bark of their host and feed on their leaves. The larvae will make their way underneath the tree’s bark and eventually will cut off the system that transports the tree’s nutrients. Adult emerald borers emerge from mid-May through September. The larvae develop underneath the bark the rest of the year. In the span of two to three years, the ash tree succumbs to the infestation. In an invaded area, all untreated ash trees are expected to die within ten years. 

Inspect Your Trees for Risk

It is best to take swift & preventative action if emerald ash borers are potentially in your area. It is generally recommended to contact your local arborist to inspect your trees for risk. Southern Botanical has ISA certified Arborists on staff that can offer comprehensive evaluations of both commercial & residential properties.

Watch out for these early signs:

  • Visible cracks on the tree’s branches.
  • More signs of breakage at the topmost parts of the tree.
  • Signs of breakage that are close to the trunk. 

Know that in an emerald ash borer infestation, the tree dies from the top down. The pests will starve the tree by not allowing food down the roots and not letting water go up the tree. The invasive beetle naturally spreads from one tree to another. Watch out for broken or dead branches at the top.

Below are the more pronounced symptoms:

  • Evident bark damage.
  • D-shaped holes present in the tree’s bark.
  • S-shaped tunnels underneath the bark.
  • With heavy infestation, multiple trunk sprouts and leaf wilt.
  • Chewing damage at the edge of the foliage.

Emerald Ash Borer Treatment for Trees

Applied correctly by experienced professionals, emerald ash borer treatment can be highly effective. Preserve the health of your trees by hiring an experienced landscaping & tree care company. Southern Botanical has the expertise to diagnose & safeguard your trees & landscape. Contact our team & we can help determine if your tree is suitable candidate for preservation & treatment.

—-

Sources:
“Emerald ash borer insect makes a move to Texas,” Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/blog/2018/07/31/emerald-ash-borer-insect-makes-a-move-to-texas/
“Forest Health: Emerald Ash Borer,” Texas A&M Forest Service, https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/eab/
“Emerald Ash Borer,” Emerald Ash Borer Information Network, http://www.emeraldashborer.info/“Emerald Ash Borer,” Plano City of Excellence, https://tx-plano2.civicplus.com/3395/Emerald-Ash-Borer