Blog, Disease & Pest Prevention, Plant Health Care
EAB Prevention: Take Action Now!
EAB, or Emerald Ash Borer, is a widespread, invasive species that wreak havoc on North America’s ash trees. It has been confirmed in 27 of 50 states, including Missouri and Illinois. This beetle primarily feeds on the leaves and bark of ash trees, causing extensive damage and tree death. It has become the single most destructive invasive tree pest in history. Not surprising, since it has a track record of killing nearly every untreated ash tree in areas where it has been found. Our region is now in year six and the impact of the pest can be seen in dying ash trees in yards, parks, woodlands, and along our streets.
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Take action now to help prevent the spread of this dangerous pest and keep your ash trees safe and healthy!
Get Your Ash Trees Regularly Treated
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your ash tree. Arborists now have a proven treatment regimen that is 90-95% effective in treating and preventing damage from EAB.The best way to prevent the spread of EAB is to get your trees diagnosed by a professional, ISA-certified arborist who will advise you to the best method of treatment. Treatments for EAB need to be reapplied regularly during the growing season and typically last for 2 years.
Discuss Removing The Tree
If you have ash trees on your property in an area where EAB is a known threat, discuss whether you want to keep the tree or have it removed. Some homeowners prefer to remove their ash trees and replace them with an EAB resistant one, but others prefer to treat their ashes instead. The decision is up to you and the ISA-certified arborists at Hansen’s Tree Service will help guide you through the decision.
If your tree is infected with EAB and more than 30% of the canopy is gone, the tree cannot be saved and must be removed. This is because if an infected, dead tree is left on the property, EAB and other diseases can spread to neighboring trees.
Recognize The Symptoms Of An EAB Infestation
You should also keep an eye on your ash trees for symptoms of an EAB infestation. Some or all of these symptoms may be present:
- Canopy dieback
- Increased woodpecker activity
- S-shaped larval galleries
- Splitting bark
- D-shaped exit holes
- Presence of larvae and adults
- Epicormic shoots
Call A Professional To Diagnose EAB
If you suspect you have an ash tree on your property or that your ash tree has EAB, call a professional tree care company like Hansen’s Tree Service. Our ISA-certified arborists are trained to identify trees and diagnose and treat pests like EAB.