The emerald ash borer (also known as EAB) is an aggressive insect that has been killing masses of ash trees in Canada, primarily southern Ontario. The EAB is the reason that all of the ash trees in York Region will die, unless they are protected.
What is the Emerald Ash Borer?
The Emerald Ash Borer is an insect made its way to Ontario all the way from Asia (primarily China). These bugs feed on ash trees, which in turn causes the tree to die. It has killed millions of trees around us. It is anticipated that ultimately this bug will kill the majority of over 8 million ash trees throughout North America. In Asia, these bugs are not considered a threat as they only feed off of sick and dying trees. But that is not the case in North America. Here, all of our trees are susceptible.
How Does the Emerald Ash Borer Feed and Kill Ash Trees?
These insects burrow their way into the ash tree’s cambium, which is the layer underneath the bark, and into its vascular structure. The EAB feeds on the tree and cuts off the flow of water and nutrients, causing the tree to die. When a female EAB lay eggs in the flaws of the bark, the baby borers also feed on the tree, killing it even faster. When an ash tree is infested by the Emerald Ash Borer, death is unavoidable. Most ash trees that are infested with these pests will last no more than 2-5 years.
How to Spot an Infected Tree?
When an ash tree has been infected by the EAB, it will display certain signs and symptoms. Unfortunately, these symptoms only become prominent once the tree has been cripplingly infested, which makes the tree unsavable. An infected tree may have:
- Lack of leaves
- Thinning Crowns
- Dead Branches
- D-shaped holes in bark
- Dead bark
How Did The Emerald Ash Borer Get Here?
The EAB came from Asia, more specifically China. It hitched its ride to Canada by leaching onto wooden shipping containers. The insect was first discovered in Michigan and Southwestern Ontario in 2002. It has since spread throughout Canada including the majority of Ontario, parts of Quebec, and most recently reported was New Brunswick in 2018.
How to Treat the Problem?
Many times, by the time the problem is noticed and treated, it is too late for the once beautiful ash tree. However, that is not to say that if noticed and treated in the early stages, your tree can recover from the infestation. Advanced Tree Care can help treat early problems and secure the surrounding trees.
If the Problem is NOT Treatable
If you suspect your trees have been infested, contact us for a free quote. It’s an understatement to call us tree enthusiasts. Our arborists will review the affected trees and see if anything can be done to save them. That is always our first choice.
Let’s Connect
To find a plan that works best for you or for a free quote on any of our services, you can contact us here. And of course, we would love to connect with you on Facebook and Instagram.
Until Next Time,
The Advanced Tree Care Team
