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| Distinctive D-Shaped Exit Holes (3) |
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| EAB Damage (2) |
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| Emerald Ash Borer (1) |
The Emerald Ash Borer has cut a swath of ash destruction
across the US since it first entered the country in Detroit via packing
materials from China around 2002. Whereas Dutch Elm Disease killed 200 million Elm trees,
the EAB has the potential to destroy 7.5 Billion ash trees. With no
natural enemies, it has advanced unchecked, gradually making its way to within
10 miles of East Aurora. With this destructive critter knocking on our door,
the time to act to protect our beloved ash trees is now. Although an EAB
infestation is fatal to the native ash trees, highly effective methods for
prevention and treatment of infested trees over 50% intact are available from
local tree care companies certified in pesticide application.
What should homeowners do? First, identify whether you have
any ash trees on your property. White and green ashes are common in East
Aurora, and were planted as park and street trees as recently as 12 years ago.
Ash trees can be identified by their unique compound leaf structure composed of
5-11 opposing leaflets. Help identifying ash trees can be found on the EAB web
page at www.emeraldashborer.info/identifyashtree.cfm.
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| Green Ash Leaf - opposite, pinnately compound, up to 12" long, 5 to 9 leaflets (4) |
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| Green Ash Bark (5) |
If you do have ash trees on your property, New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation Senior Forester Patrick Marren
recommends the following:
·
For healthy ash trees with a DBH (diameter at
breast height) in excess of 6 inches, consider having a tree care company
certified in pesticide application inoculate the tree annually. With a cost of
around $100 per year, this option is much more affordable than removal, which
for a large, mature tree could run in excess of $2,000.
·
For ash trees smaller than 6” in diameter, treatment is
not recommended. A better option for trees of this size may be removal and
replanting with a different species.
·
If you suspect your tree may already be infected,
consult with your tree care company’s arborist for the best options.
Please do not attempt to treat your ash trees. Proper
diagnosis is critical, as a number of diseases, including ash yellows,
anthracnose and ash flower gall, have contributed to ash decline in recent
years. A consultation with an arborist certified in pesticide application is
your best bet. Arborists have been trained in pest identification, and can
recommend the best course of treatment for your trees.
Emamectin Benzoate (TREE-äge, pronounced triage) is the most
effective pesticide for Emerald Ash Borer protection and treatment. It is
registered for use in New York State, but can be purchased and applied only by
trained, certified arborists and landscapers. Emamectin Benzoate fact sheet
link: http://emeraldashborer.info/files/Multistate_EAB_Insecticide_Fact_Sheet.pdf
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| Arborist treats an EAB infested tree with an Arborjet injection of TREE-äge (6) |
For help identifying the EAB, please go to the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation's website at www.dec.ny.gov/animals/45428.html Accurate sightings should be reported to the DEC’s EAB and
Firewood hotline at 1-866-640-0652.
Helpful links:
Symptoms of EAB Infestation:
The International Society of Arboriculture maintains a list
of local certified arborists at
Link to Emerald Ash Borer Website:
Help identifying ash trees:
New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation:
www.dec.ny.gov/animals/45428.html
(EAB identification)
New York State Invasive Species:
Morton Arboretum:
All photos courtesy of Bugwood.org:
(1) Howard Russell, Michigan State University
(2) David Cappaert, Michigan State University
(3) Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Forestry Archive
(4) Keith Kanoti, Main Forest Service
(5) Richard Webb, Self-employed horticulturist
(6) David Cappaert, Michigan State University
