Ash Tree Removal 

The Ash Tree Epidemic: Why is My Ash Tree Dying?

U.S. Ash Trees Stricken by an Outbreak of Ash Borers 

Symptoms of Ash Tree Damage: 

  • Tree starts to show dead branches, beginning at the top of the canopy
  • New branches and leaves growing at the base of the tree, or around the trunk
  • Vertical bark splits, under which you may be able to see the beetle larvae
  • Woodpecker feeding
  • D-shaped holes in the tree bark, from where the larvae emerge
  • S-shaped larvae galleries on the tree bark, winding back and forth, from larvae feeding

You should have your ash tree professionally removed if you’re seeing these symptoms to stop the spread and ensure you abide by the quarantine and removal regulations.

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Read more information about the ash tree epidemic below.

What does the Emerald Ash Borer Beetle look like?

  • Adult beetles are metallic green, flat on the back and about the size of one grain of cooked rice
  • Larvae are found feeding underneath the tree bark, they are cream-colored and have pincher-like appendages, they can be up to 1 ½ inches long

How Do I Identify an Ash Tree?

  • Ash trees have leaves that are compound, which means they typically consist of 5-11 leaflets
  • Opposite branching, where two branches stretch out from the first branch, parallel to one another
  • Seeds, when present, appear in paddle-like clusters
  • The bark of older ash trees tends to have a distinct diamond pattern and is typically very rough, although young ash trees have very smooth bark

What Area is Affected by the Ash Tree Epidemic?

Midwestern & North-Eastern States all the way from Texas to Maine have been affected, as well as parts of Ontario, Canada. The Emerald Ash Borer Beetle first arrived in Michigan, in 2002, and it has since spread to infect the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area since 2006-2007.

How Did the Emerald Ash Borer Beetle Get Here, All the Way from Asia?

We don’t know for sure, but the Emerald Ash Borer Beetle is believed to have come from central Asia, most likely China, on a solid wood packing material used to carry cargo on ships or airplanes, to the US.

How Exactly Do These Tiny Beetles Destroy My Giant Ash Tree?

Adult Emerald Ash Borer Beetles only nibble on foliage and cause little damage to ash trees. The real problem begins when they repopulate. The larvae live in and feed on the inner bark of ash trees, which disrupts the ash tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients, killing hundreds of millions of trees across North America and causing the USDA to enforce quarantines and fines to prevent the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer Beetles. This is why it’s important to have a professional remove, and properly dispose of, an infected tree.

What is the Proper Way to Remove an Ash Tree?

In order to stop the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer Beetle, the USDA has imposed strict regulations for quarantining and disposing of infected ash trees. With professional ash tree removal, you can be sure that these regulations are adhered to. This is important because Emerald Ash Borer Beetles will continue to live in the wood of a dead tree. Particularly if your infected tree is located along a yard or a street, it will likely pose a hazard to your family, your neighbors, or others, as it dies. Ash trees are known for having very brittle wood, and a fallen tree can disrupt powerlines or damage your house or your neighbor’s house, potentially causing injury or leaving you liable for thousands in damage.

How Can I Prevent an Infestation from Emerald Ash Borer Beetles in my Ash Trees?

While healthy ash trees are also susceptible, the Emerald Ash Borer Beetles prefer to lay their eggs and feed on trees that are already stressed or dying. Making sure your trees are as healthy as they can be, is one way to lower your risk of an attack. If you already have an infestation, it is very important to get your ash tree removed and disposed of by a professional. Other steps you can take to further prevent the spread of Emerald Ash Borer Beetles can be found here.

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