Professional tree services in Brentwood, TN, get a lot of questions about how to save ash trees from emerald ash borer (EAB) infestations. EAB is responsible for the death and decline of millions of trees across North America, including Tennessee.
In this post, the local experts at Franklin Tree Service discuss what you can do to protect your property from emerald ash borers.
Identifying Emerald Ash Borer Infestations
Emerald ash borers are metallic green beetles from Asia. While the insect is deceptively attractive, the damage it causes is not. These insects lay eggs in bark crevices, after which the hatched larvae burrow deeper and feed on the wood from within. The following signs suggest an infestation:
- Insect activity: Adult beetles are more active during warm, sunny summer days. You can identify them by their metallic green color and coppery-red abdomen.
- Wood tunnels: EAB larvae create tunnels as they burrow, leaving S-shaped markings behind.
- Bark holes: As the larvae emerge as adults in spring, they leave D-shaped exit holes in the bark.
- Tree damage: You may notice crown thinning, bark cracking, and excessive branching or sprouting on trunks.
- Woodpecker activity: Because woodpeckers eat the larvae, increased activity may signal an infestation.
Preventing Emerald Ash Borer Infestations
EAB infestations can spread from one ash to another, even if the host is dead. That makes careful firewood management key to emerald ash borer protection. To protect ash trees from pests, only buy local firewood or a certified heat-treated variety. Don’t transport firewood across state lines, and burn your remaining firewood before spring.
Another control method is preventative insecticide applications. Unfortunately, it is not obvious you have an infestation until it is too late. Many experts recommend treating ash trees with insecticide in spring every year or two. However, you’ll want to balance the tree’s location, risks, health, and benefits (such as shade, wildlife habitat, and property value) with the financial costs involved before treating it.
Treating Emerald Ash Borer Infestations
Using insecticides to protect against emerald ash borer infestations works best in the early stages of an infestation. Several ash tree insecticide treatments are available, with different timing schedules and application types. These include soil drenching, granular formulas, and trunk implants or injections. While homeowners can apply some products, others require a certified expert’s application.
Knowing how to save ash trees from emerald ash borers won’t help much if your ash is too far gone. Trees with canopy thinning of over 50% require removal. Similarly, it may not make sense to treat those with pre-existing health or structural issues. A local arborist can evaluate your trees, treat or remove infected specimens, and replace them if desired.
Contact the Local Tree Experts in Brentwood, TN
Now that you know how to save ash trees from emerald ash borers, do you need professional help? The pros at Franklin Tree Service are ready to assist you with all your tree care needs — including emerald ash borer solutions. Check out this list of emerald ash borer damage symptoms and then call us at (615) 866-7056!