Emerald ash borer

The emerald ash borer is a beetle whose prospect terrifies your ash trees, as it attacks this species of tree. Its wings may be a beautiful metallic green, but its devastation is enormous. First, the larva digs galleries in the wood, then the insect emerges and nibbles on the leaves.

The emerald ash borer arrived in North America from Asia in 2002. It simply travels in ash wood: ropes, pallets, etc. In the same way, it came to Quebec.

Consequences for ash trees ​

The infestation can be spread over five years. However, depending on the size or age of the tree, one year may be sufficient. The galleries built by the larvae end up obstructing the circulation of the sap, making the specimen malnourished. On the outside of the tree, the infestation manifests itself by early yellowing of the leaves, a bare top, balding of the branches... signs that become more accentuated with time. A semi-infestation can however justify the felling of the tree, as it can no longer be saved. But this task should be performed outside the propagation period, which is from mid-March to mid-September. Our tree care company is able to address this issue and assist you with it.

How to detect the emerald ash borer 

The activity of the larvae can remain inapparent for a few years, then appear external signs. Strangely enough, they start at the top and gradually move downwards. The visible signs are for example holes pierced by the insects at their exit. It is also bark removed by squirrels or woodpeckers, which like the larvae, or nibbling of leaves. Or it is samaras or shoots on the trunk, in overabundance, or sap that oozes.
 
However, it is easy to mistake these signs for breakage caused by animals or bad weather as well as evidence of other insects or diseases. Trained arborists are able to distinguish between them. In the case of EAB, early detection is critical. In such cases, Emondage Sorel-Tracy performs an inspection and gives you a free quote. This one proposes you the appropriate intervention to the attack and to the species of tree. Just contact us at 450-954-2664, for any of our tree maintenance services.

Recognizing the Emerald Ash Borer Early

Early intervention is an absolute necessity with respect to EAB. A protocol exists for this purpose. It consists of identifying a branch according to certain criteria and then removing its bark, which will indicate whether or not the tree specimen is attacked by EAB. It is important to proceed when the larva is mature, as it is then larger and easier to detect. However, you must know how to interpret what you see and propose the appropriate intervention. If felling is recommended, it is important to go as far as grubbing, a service that we also offer at Emondage Sorel-Tracy. So, contact us without delay.

Preventing rather than curing

The best thing to do if you don't already have one is not to plant ash trees. If you do have them, consider planting other species to increase biodiversity. Biodiversity is the key to resilience. Another thing to watch out for is if your cord of wood includes ash. The best precaution in this case is to source locally.
 
In fact, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has a mandate to control the transportation of ash wood (the trees themselves, raw wood, logs, anything made from ash wood...) from infested areas to non-infested areas. Such transport is not prohibited but is subject to restrictions. The vehicles responsible for the transport are also affected by this regulation.

Detection of diseases and invaders

Other diseases and insects attack trees, and species other than ash as well. Our arborists, at Emondage Sorel-Tracy, have the know-how to detect them and to know the appropriate intervention. You just have to call us at 450-954-2664.

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450-954-2664