Residential and commercial property owners value their well-maintained landscapes and foliage. It is important to most land owners that their trees are healthy and appealing. On top of tree trimming, pruning, fertilizing, and other common tree care, eliminating infestation threats is equally important for a tree’s health. Continue reading to learn about the Emerald Ash Borer, as well as, the signs and symptoms of an EAB infestation.
The Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus Planipennis)
The Emerald Ash Borer has been infecting North American trees and foliage for as long as man has been around. These beetle-like insects are easily identifiable and somewhat beautiful, in a way. They are a bright green, metallic looking insects with a half inch long flattened back and purple abdominal sections beneath their wings. As mentioned before, they are quite beautiful, but extremely detrimental to the well-being of our trees. They are originally found in the eastern parts of the world, such as Russia, Japan, Korea, and China. It wasn’t until 2002 that Emerald Ash Borers were discovered in North America. They most likely came from ash wood being transferred into the states. They mostly affect Ash trees, but can cause implications to other surrounding foliage as well. They attack stressed or dying trees, but can also invade perfectly healthy Ash trees.
Signs and Symptoms of Emerald Ash Borer
There are several ways to identify an Ash Borer infestation in Ash trees and other foliage. Their activities and behaviors leave clues behind that can only suggest an Ash Borer problem. Here is a list of common signs and symptoms of a tree infected and overcome with Emerald Ash Borer colonies:
• Splitting Bark
• Canopy Thinning and Die-Back
• Foliage Bareness
• Vertical Fissures on Bark
• Callous Tissue Formation
• Exposed Galleries under Bark Split
• Serpentine-Shaped Larvae Feeding Galleries in Bark
• Frass Accumulation (Mix of Saw Dust and Excrement)
• D-Shaped Holes in Trunk
• Increase Woodpecker Activity
• Sprout Growth from Roots and Trunk
• Larger-than-Normal Leaves
Treatment for Emerald Ash Borer Infestations
A property owner has only a few options when it comes to rehabilitating trees infected with Emerald Ash Borer colonies. The only possible treatments and options for Emerald Ash Borer infestations is insecticides or tree removal. By hiring a tree care company, land owners can learn methods to preventing pest problems and infestations in their trees. Prevention and routine maintenance are the best ways to protect trees from Emerald Ash Borers and other tree ailments.
For more information about the Emerald Ash Borer or Ash Tree removal, call Budget Tree Care in Indianapolis, Indiana at 317-590-1842 today. Curt Scott and his team of fellow licensed and qualified tree technicians have more than 30 years of experience in the tree care industry. They offer free estimates, consultations, discounts, and more! Call today for our help with tree care and pest control in Indianapolis, IN and all its surrounding counties.