Emerald Ash Borer

The emerald ash borer is a member of the beetle family. It is an insect that ravages ash trees. It is only half a centimeter long and yet it is capable of devastating trees. Galleries are drilled by the larva inside the plant. The flying insect with metallic green wings attacks the leaves.

The insect entered North America in 2002. It also came to settle in Quebec. It travels simply by getting into ash trees or anything made of wood of this species, from raw wood to pallets, logs or packaging materials.

Damage to ash trees

The duration of an attack can take a few years as well as one. It depends on the size of the specimen and its degree of maturity. The damage caused comes for example from the galleries dug by the larvae themselves, because they end up blocking the free circulation of the sap, whose role is to feed the tree. As for the external damage, it consists of visible signs. These include leaves that turn yellow too early in the year, a stripped top or branches, peeling bark in places... These signs become more pronounced as time goes by. However, an ash tree does not have to be completely destroyed to be cut down.

Even when half done, an attack can be irreversible. Except that it is essential to proceed to the cutting of the specimen outside the period where the insect spreads, that is to say between mid-March and mid-September. Thanks to our experience in tree maintenance services, our team will be able to accompany you and advise you concerning this attack on your trees, or other obviously.

Identifying the Emerald Ash Borer ​

The larvae can act for many years before their presence is even suspected. Then the external signs become visible. Always, strangely, starting from the top, then descending over time lower and lower. In addition to those already mentioned, it can be the holes that the insect makes when it comes out of the trunk. Or the shoots that invade the trunk or the samaras produced in abundance (a sign of stress).
 
However, knowledge is needed to interpret these signs correctly. It is necessary to know how to distinguish them from damage, possibly harmless, caused by weather or wild animals. It is also necessary to recognize the nature of the damage: the work of the emerald ash borer, another insect or parasite, a disease... This allows us to consider the right treatment or to know that it would be useless if a damage is not involved. A reconnaissance visit from Emondage Shawinigan Pro will allow us to advise you properly. Our quotes are free. To take advantage of them, call 819-805-1819. You can also ask us about our other tree care services

Detect EAB as early as possible   ​

To have a chance of saving an ash tree, it is essential to spot the activity of the EAB at its larval stage and not too committed. A simple technical protocol is carried out with this in mind. It consists of choosing a branch that meets specific criteria and removing its bark to see if larvae are present. However, to detect them properly, it is better to proceed towards the end of autumn, when the larva is mature, and therefore at its maximum size. Although the protocol is simple, it is important to know how to read the signs. At Emondage Shawinigan Pro, we know all about it. Call us at 819-805-1919 and we will be able to tell you if your ash tree needs to be cut down. In this case, it will be important to also proceed with its removal.

Regulations to limit the risk of propagation ​

If a property does not already have ash trees, simply not planting them is the most effective way to prevent an EAB infestation. However, this species, native to Quebec, is quite common. However, EAB infestations could succeed in completely eliminating this species. A tip to limit the chances is to plant other species on your property, if you haven't already done so, to create biodiversity that increases resilience. If you heat with wood, a local supply should reduce the chances of your ash trees being infested by the beetle in a cord.
 
In addition, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has a mandate to enforce regulations regarding the transportation of ash wood (trees, but also raw wood and any product where the beetle may be lodged) from infested areas to others that are not yet infested. Vehicles dedicated to this transport are also affected by the preventive measures. Non-compliance can result in heavy fines.

Identify insects pests and diseases

Of course, there are other insect pests besides the EAB, and not only this tree species is affected. In addition, plants can also be affected by diseases. Emondage Shawinigan Pro has the knowledge to do this. When you contact us, we can explain to you how we proceed, or any of our tree care services.
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