Finding out that a tree is infested with emerald ash borers can be worrisome. This infestation spreads rapidly and is challenging to treat. Often, the best course of action is removing the infested tree to prevent the borers from spreading to healthy trees on the property.
As soon as you notice emerald ash borers, contact a professional arborist for assistance. They can explain how to get rid of emerald ash borers and guide your next steps. Franklin Tree Service is a trusted option for tree services in Brentwood, TN, including tree disease and pest management.
What Are Emerald Ash Borers?
Emerald ash borers are exotic beetles that destroy trees and wreak havoc on different tree species since first being spotted in North America in 2002. Despite best efforts to eradicate them, EAB continue to spread throughout the United States. When they take over trees, the vegetation quickly dies, and the EAB move on to other nearby trees.
EAB primarily feed on ash trees. They are small and metallic green.
Adult emerald ash borers feed on the leaves, but they do not cause much damage. Primarily, damage occurs when larvae feed under the tree bark, affecting the tree’s ability to transport moisture and nutrients from the soil to the leaves.
How To Treat an EAB-Infested Tree
Most ash trees have no natural resistance to emerald ash borers. Without intervention, this pest will kill the tree. Even when caught, if the EAB affects more than 50% of the tree, it likely is not salvageable.
Contact a professional arborist right away to assess the tree and determine how to get rid of emerald ash borers. Treatment also involves preventing the pest from spreading to other ash trees. An arborist may perform any of the following services:
- Trunk injection: The arborist may inject insecticide treatment directly into the tree trunk, killing the larvae. This treatment may prove effective for lightly infested trees.
- Biological control: This method involves deploying natural enemies to kill the EAB, such as tiny wingless wasp species that prey upon this pest.
- Soil drenching: Injecting treatment into the soil allows the roots to absorb it. Arborists may inject insecticides this way, allowing them to move throughout the tree and kill the larvae under the bark.
- Tree removal: Complete removal is often the best choice for EAB-infested trees. Many cannot recover from this pest infestation.
- Preventative measures: Preventing nearby trees from becoming infested is a primary concern after EAB infestation. Arborists will remove infested trees, treat healthy trees with insecticides, or both.
The correct course of action depends on the condition of the tree, the presence of neighboring ash trees, and the severity of the infestation. However, understand that EAB-infested trees often cannot be saved.
Schedule a Consultation With Franklin Tree Service
Don’t hesitate to contact professionals as soon as you notice emerald ash borers. At Franklin Tree Service in Brentwood, Tennessee, we have extensive experience treating this pest infestation. Contact us online or call 615-866-7056 to schedule an appointment and learn how to get rid of emerald ash borers from our certified arborists.