Emerald Ash Borer

At Johnson Tree Service Inc., we work in full compliance with the Illinois Department Of Agriculture's Insect and Pest Act...  Doing all we can to stop the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer.

History

In Northern America the Emerald Ash Borer is a highly destructive, invasive species,extremely dangerous to Ash trees within its scope. This insect's destructive potential matches only that of Dutch Elm Disease and Chestnut blight. The Emerald Ash Borer was accidentally introduced into Northern America and Canada in the 1990’s and by 2002 had spread to 14 states and neighboring areas of Canada. In June 2006, E.A.B. was first found in Illinois in The Windings in Kane County. Now, by 2012 more than 25 million trees have had to be removed in the United States due to these bugs. E.A.B. larva live beneath the bark, eating tunnels through the vascular and cambium layers. The larva grow to adults, and emerge late May through August feeding on Ash tree foliage. They then reproduce with each other, lay eggs in the tree, and the cycle starts all over again. The tunnels dug are extremely destructive as they cause the disruption of nutrient flow between the plant’s roots and canopy which results in canopy thinning. Eventually the branches begin to die-back, and ultimately the tree succumbs to the infestation. Adult beetles will fly from tree to tree to infest new ones. E.A.B. are also spread by transporting firewood which is why it is so important that all companies work in compliance with all new agriculture laws.

Signs of Infestation

These include overactive woodpecker activity and holes, upper canopy die-back, D-shaped exit holes, more than normal sucker growth near base, bark peeling, and S-shaped zig-zagging grooves seen under dead bark when removed. It sometimes takes many years before signs of infestation shows but only about 2 years before complete destruction once infestation is found.

Identification

Beetles come out from the trees around May and are at their most active in June and July. Adult beetles are a green metallic color, shaped like a thin almond and around 1/3 of an inch long. Babies found under dying bark are whitish, almost translucent in color, and the same shape but smaller. Both appear to have small, thin wings that tuck in close to the body.

What To Do If My Trees Infested

Unfortunately at this time there is not much that can be done with an infected tree other than removal of the tree and using certified techniques and disposal which are in full compliance with the Illinois Department of Agricultures Insect and Pest Act. Thereby minimizing the chances of spreading the infestation to neighboring trees.