Emerald Ash Borer

 

In June 2009, Emerald ash borer was identified in a single stand of ash trees in Randolph, Cattaraugus County. More recently, as of August, 2010, it has been found in western Monroe County. Now that this devastating pest of Ash trees has been positively identified in the Rochester area, you may be wondering what can be done for your trees. The ISA Certified Arborists at Birchcrest Tree & Landscape are here to help.

Common questions about the Emerald Ash Borer

How do I identify an Ash tree?

Ash trees have an opposite leaf arrangement  (leaves and buds are located directly across from each other). Ash leaves are compound and typically consist of five to 11 leaflets. The edges of the leaflets may be smooth or toothed. Mature ash bark is rough and blocky, with a nearly diamond-shaped pattern. Younger trees have smoother bark. When seeds are present, they appear in paddle-shaped clusters that stay on the tree until late fall or early winter.

What does the insect look like?

It is a slender beetle with metallic green wing covers and a reddish abdomen. It is small enough to fit on a penny.

What are the symptoms of Emerald Ash Borer attack?

Symptoms of emerald ash borer include canopy dieback, beginning in the top one-third of the canopy; sprouting from the base of the tree and trunk; bark splitting; serpentine galleries below the bark; D-shaped exit holes and increased woodpecker activity.

My Ash tree has holes in the trunk; do I have Emerald Ash Borer?

Not necessarily. Several other types of borers affect ash trees, including redheaded ash borer, banded ash borer, and others. Consult an arborist for a diagnosis and evaluation for treatment.

Important tips to keep in mind

A healthy tree will respond most effectively to treatment. So, keep trees in good condition, and check regularly for signs of trouble including holes in the trunk, canopy dieback.

If you have Ash trees in your yard, call for a Certified Arborist to examine the trees and take the proper steps for preservation.

As a preventative measure, or if the infestation is caught early, professional treatment with a registered pesticide that has a proven history of success is the best strategy for the preservation of your valuable trees. Our treatment strategy is based on the most current research in areas where Emerald Ash Borer has already made its mark. We use a product that has proven results in the prevention and control of this pest.

Our staff and technicians attend professional training seminars so we can offer the most current technology available. Our goal is to protect and preserve your valuable landscape trees. We are confident that our Emerald Ash Borer treatment is the best defense our industry has to offer.

Please call Birchcrest Tree & Landscape at 671-5433 or 288-3572 or fill out our contact form to arrange an evaluation.