What is the emerald ash borer and why should you care?

The emerald ash borer is a beetle native to China, was first detected in the U.S. in 2002 on the east coast, and threatens all 16 native Ash tree species to the United States. Since then the destructive beetle has killed millions of Ash trees and has spread to 35 states including Texas in 2016 and in Tarrant County as of 2019. Early signs of this beetle are very hard to detect so in many cases once signs in the tree are noticed its too late to save. Signs of infestation are dead branches near the top of a tree, leaf shoots sprouting from the trunk area, abnormally high woodpecker activity, and D shaped exit holes in the tree. EAB is a very aggressive bug and will generally kill the Ash tree within 2-3 years.

So what can be done? First thing is finding out whether or not you have Ash trees. If your not sure if you have Ash trees just give us a shout at 817-681-8747 and we will be glad to help. Next you will have to make a decision on keeping the tree or not. If the tree is in good health, providing shade, or sentimental in some way, then we would recommend taking action to treat the tree. If you decide that the tree is not of high value then our recommendation would be to remove it before symptoms of infestation or at first signs of those symptoms. Whether you decide to preserve or remove your Ash tree our Arborists at Treehugger can help. EAB is most commonly spread through transportation of Ash firewood so DO NOT move your firewood from your property unless it is being disposed of at the landfill.

If you would like more information on the subject check out www.tfsweb.tamu.edu.com or here is a recent article in the Fort Worth Star Telegram