In Provo, Utah, Ash trees are one of the most beautiful trees that make up the Wasatch landscape. Not only do they add character to our property, prevent erosion and provide a powerful barrier against summertime heat. Unfortunately though, Ash trees are also known to fall prey to Emerald Ash Borers. In fact, EAB is responsible for having killed over 10 million trees since it was first detected in the U.S in 2002. That’s why preventative tree care is so important…
What Are Emerald Ash Borers?
EAB, also known as Agrilus planipennis is a bright, metallic-green, exotic beetle that arrived in the U.S from Asia. Typically, they are ½ inch long, and ⅛ inch wide. While their eggs are small and reddish-brown in color, their larvae are white, and flat-headed with distinct segmentation.
Although EAB adults are rather harmless, it’s the larvae that bores into the bark of an Ash tree. As they feed upon transportation tissues, the flow of water and essential nutrients is disrupted, causing the tree to die.
How they affect your Ash Trees
In mid to late May, the adults emerge and shortly after, the females then begin to lay their eggs. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae bores into the Ash tree, feeding beneath the bark, leaving visible tracks behind. By disrupting the transport of water and essential nutrients the bark begins to split, resulting in dieback. Once the larvae matures, emerging adults then create D-shaped holes in the tree. While it may take three to four years for a larger tree to die, small infested trees can die in as quickly as one to two years.
Keep in mind that an EAB infestation doesn’t end with the death of the tree. Once a tree dies, a certified arborist must be hired to remove it.
An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure
It’s an unfortunate fact that once an Ash tree has been infected, there is very little that can be done. That’s why preventative tree care is so important. While there are several types of EAB treatment options, the certified arborist at Mountain West Arbor Care suggests soil and trunk injections. Highly effective, both deliver a product right into a tree’s tissue, which is then evenly dispersed throughout the canopy. By targeting the larvae tunneling into the tree, this type of preventative tree care is known to last up to two years. Canopy sprays can also be used to help prevent adult borers from feeding and laying eggs.
Preventative Tree Care
It is important to remember that the cost of preventative tree care will greatly outweigh the cost of removing a dead tree. Do what’s right for your home, your landscape, and the environment. If you are interested in EAB prevention or suspect your Ash tree may be infected, contact Mountain West Arbor Care at 1-800-767-8733 today. Our certified arborist is keenly invested in keeping your trees healthy, alive, and well!
