Emerald Ash BorerCutting a healthy ash tree is sometimes allowed during a certain time of the year if another tree is planted to replace it.
Felling a healthy ash tree costs up to 50% less than felling a diseased one. The money saved from felling a healthy ash tree is used to finance the planting of a tree to replace the felled tree. Call 450-823-3274 for more details. Emerald Ash BorerThis invasive and destructive insect has arrived in Canada and continues to spread through ash wood materials such as pallets, crates and firewood. This is the reason why we call it that. It attacks this tree species by building galleries in its wood and feeding on its leaves. Since the EAB has no predators in North America, it is very difficult to get rid of it and ensure the survival of this variety of tree. You will recognize the flying beetle by its elongated body with a metallic blue-green sheen. It can reach up to half an inch in length.
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Consequence for the ash tree
Emerald ash borer can kill an ash tree in about five years, but sometimes as little as one year depending on the age and size of the tree. It begins its attack at the top and gradually moves down to the ground over the years. The larvae nibble at the inside of the trunk, preventing the sap from circulating normally and feeding all parts of the tree.
In the first phase of the invasion, which can last about two to three years, the damage is not apparent. It is during the following year that the leaves of the tree will begin to yellow prematurely, and the top will lose leaves or even branches. It takes another year for the crown to become noticeably thinner. The following year, insects are very abundant, the tree loses some of its bark and dies.
Once half of the ash tree is infested, the solution is unfortunately to cut down the tree. Since the EAB spreads from mid-March to the end of September, it is best to avoid this operation at this time of the year.
In the first phase of the invasion, which can last about two to three years, the damage is not apparent. It is during the following year that the leaves of the tree will begin to yellow prematurely, and the top will lose leaves or even branches. It takes another year for the crown to become noticeably thinner. The following year, insects are very abundant, the tree loses some of its bark and dies.
Once half of the ash tree is infested, the solution is unfortunately to cut down the tree. Since the EAB spreads from mid-March to the end of September, it is best to avoid this operation at this time of the year.
How do I recognize Emerald Ash Borer?
While the larvae create galleries inside the tree for years, deterioration can also be seen on the outside after a while. Again, be aware that it starts at the top. The insects dig small "D"-shaped holes in the trunk, about 4 mm in size, to get out of the tree. Also, you may notice that the bark of the tree has been peeled off by squirrels in some places or that woodpeckers have bitten holes to feed on the larvae. Any damage to the bark can be a sign that the borer is present. Other signs include sap flow or nibbled leaves. If the seeds of ash trees (samaras) appear abnormally abundant, the tree is under severe stress. The same is true if adventitious shoots develop fairly quickly on the tree trunk, close to the ground.
Some similar damage may be caused by other insects, animals or climatic factors. Only an arboriculturist working for a tree care company such as Emondage Longueuil Pro can really recognize the symptoms of an EAB-specific infestation early enough to save the tree. If you have an ash tree on your property, call on our expertise to assess its health and treat it if necessary. Call Longueuil Pruning Pro at 450-823-3274.
Some similar damage may be caused by other insects, animals or climatic factors. Only an arboriculturist working for a tree care company such as Emondage Longueuil Pro can really recognize the symptoms of an EAB-specific infestation early enough to save the tree. If you have an ash tree on your property, call on our expertise to assess its health and treat it if necessary. Call Longueuil Pruning Pro at 450-823-3274.
The preventive stage of the infestation
You may wonder how it is possible to detect the invasion of these insects quickly, if the first damage is invisible from the outside. The method used by experts in the field includes identifying branches that meet specific criteria and then removing their bark to see if there are any small tunnels. This assessment should take place in autumn or winter, when the larvae are larger.
Prevention
If you wish to plant a new tree, we suggest that you choose a species other than ash to avoid many problems in the future. If there is already an ash tree on your property, add other tree varieties if possible to prevent possible contamination from spreading.
When buying firewood, choose species other than ash. If you cut your own ash wood for home heating, take appropriate measures to ensure that the insect pest is not present. To minimize the spread of EAB contamination between regions, be aware that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has strict regulations regarding the transportation of ash wood between different areas. Fines for infractions are extremely steep. This is one of the reasons why it is best to buy local wood. Tree cabling
When buying firewood, choose species other than ash. If you cut your own ash wood for home heating, take appropriate measures to ensure that the insect pest is not present. To minimize the spread of EAB contamination between regions, be aware that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has strict regulations regarding the transportation of ash wood between different areas. Fines for infractions are extremely steep. This is one of the reasons why it is best to buy local wood. Tree cabling
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450-823-3274
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