Are your ash trees dying from the emerald ash borer?
Many of our valued customers have reached out with great concern over trees that appear to be dying. Almost all of the trees have been the ash trees resulting from the emerald ash borer. Whitetail Tree Service has put together a bit of information to let you know what’s going on with the ash trees in our area and beyond. We hope you find this both informative and helpful, please feel free to call with any questions you may have. If you do have any of these dead or dying trees please stay back from them, they will most likely start dropping limbs and branches. It is only a matter of time before the tree will be critical and need to come down in a safe manner.
Do you have any trees with marks like this?
What are the signs of tree damage from the Emerald Ash Borer?
In the tree canopy, you will see signs of infestation including yellowing and browning of leaves.
Increased woodpecker activity is often the first sign of an Emerald Ash Borer infestation. This activity can lead to large strips of bark falling off, also known as “blonding”. You will also notice small, D-shaped holes that are left on the trunk and branches by the emerging beetles. S-shaped figures become visible when the tree’s bark splits or falls off.
Most trees lose their leaves within 2 years and die within 3 to 4 years of becoming infested with the Emerald Ash Borer.
Emerald Ash Borer Identification
The emerald ash borer is a very small but very destructive beetle. It has four life stages: adult, egg, larva and pupa. The adult beetle has a shiny emerald green body with a coppery red or purple abdomen. Adult beetles leave distinctive D-shaped exit holes in the outer bark of the branches and the trunk. Adults are roughly 3/8 to 5/8 inch long with metallic green wing covers and a coppery red or purple abdomen. The adults may be seen from late May through early September but are most common in June and July.
Where did the Emerald Ash Borer come from?
The emerald ash borer is believed to have entered the country on wooden packing materials from China. It was first discovered in Michigan in 2002.
Emerald Ash Borer in New York State
According to the DEC, the first infestation of emerald ash borer in New York State was discovered in Cattaraugus County in 2009. As of the spring of 2021, the presence of EAB has been confirmed in all New York counties except: Essex, Hamilton, Lewis, and Washington.
You can learn more from the NYS DEC website here: https://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7253.html
Are your Ash trees dying from the Emerald Ash Borer?
If your trees have similar markings to the information above, the tree may be damaged and not have long before it becomes a in danger of falling. Give us a call to come take a look and give you an estimate to remove the trees that may be at risk of falling.
