Emerald ash borer

Removal of a healthy ash tree is sometimes permitted provided that it is done during a specific time of year and another tree is planted in its place. The cost is up to half of the cost of removing an ash tree that has the disease. The profit made by disposing of a healthy ash tree can contribute to the purchase of a new replacement specimen.

Contact Emondage Brossard at 450-500-4569 for more information on our tree care services.

Emerald ash borer

The emerald ash borer has reached Canada. It is through pallets, crates, firewood of ash species that the beetle spreads. And it is because it attacks this particular species of tree that this is part of its designation. The insect proceeds by burrowing into the wood pulp as a larva or by nibbling on the leaves as a flier. The absence of predators on the North American territory explains the immense challenge of eradicating the beetle but also of preserving the life of the tree concerned. The body of this beetle is half an inch long and has shimmering blue-green reflections.

Consquences for ash tree

It takes about five years for an infested ash tree to die, but sometimes only one year is needed. The size and age of the tree is the determining factor. The beetle starts at the top and gradually works its way down to the ground over the years. The interior of the tree is eaten by the larvae, which blocks the normal circulation of the sap. The tree is then no longer able to feed itself adequately.

In the first stage of the disease, which can take two or three years, the effects are invisible. In the second year, the leaves start to yellow too early, the head of the tree is stripped, sometimes the branches as well. Another year and the balding becomes more obvious. Three hundred and sixty-five more days and the ash borer swarms so much that the tree bark and breathes its last.

A half-ruined tree is enough to have to be cut down. Unfortunately, there is no other way. Since the invader spreads from mid-March to mid-September, it is advisable to proceed outside this period. As a company specialized in tree care, we will accompany you through this ordeal.

How to detect Emerald ash borer activity?

Although the action of the larvae, digging galleries, extends over several years, it remains that external signs become visible after some time. Again, the damage starts at the top. To exit the tree, the insects bore 4 mm holes through the wood in a "D" shape. Squirrels may have had fun removing bark here and there. Woodpeckers may also have made holes to feed on the larvae.

Any damage to the bark may indicate that EAB is active in an ash tree. Other possible signs include leaf nibbling or sap oozing. If samaras (the name of the ash tree's seeds) are present in profusion, to an unusual degree, it is a sign of serious stress on the tree. The presence of adventitious shoots at the base of the trunk, close to the ground, has the same meaning.

Similar damage can be caused by other animals or insect species, or it can be caused by weather conditions. An expert is able to distinguish the signs that correspond to the activity of the borer. They may even be able to detect its presence early enough to spare a tree. So, if you own ash trees, call us so we can perform a free examination of the health condition of your trees and treatment if needed.

The preventive period of an infestation

How is it possible to detect the intruder when its activity is still invisible? The specialists proceed by applying a specific protocol. First, they select a branch that must have certain characteristics. Then they debark it. The goal is to be able to examine if galleries are present. The operation must be performed in autumn or winter, simply because the larvae are then larger. You can entrust us with this task by calling us at 450-500-4569, at Emondage Brossard. In fact, you can delegate us any other tree maintenance service.

Prevention

We advise you to avoid ash when planting your next tree. The idea is to save you a lot of trouble. But if you already have some, it is advisable to plant other species to create a biodiversity more resistant to infestations.

If you are a firewood user, avoid ash species if possible. If you split ash wood yourself, it's a good idea to make sure the section is not infested with EAB before bringing it into your home.

Finally, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency is responsible for enforcing regulations designed to limit inter-regional spread. These regulations are quite strict and include the transportation of EAB wood between regions. The fines associated with violations are considerable. So avoid problems of this nature by purchasing your wood locally. guying