Invasive Emerald Ash Borer
- Steve’s Trees and Contracting
- Mar 26, 2024
- 2 min read
❗️PSA 🗣
Did you know several Missouri counties are currently under quarantine due to the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)? No one may move ash nursery stock, any part of an ash tree, or firewood cut from any hardwood species outside of these counties and the state. The EAB can infest all types of ash trees. Adults can fly at least ½ mile from their home trees, but many infestations start when people move infested ash wood into uninfested areas.
The Emeral Ash Borer is an exotic Asian beetle accidentally introduced to North America in the early 2000’s. EAB is a serious threat to ash trees, it’s larvae feeds on and kills unprotected ash trees. The EAB was first spotted in Missouri in 2008. Since then it has been sighted in several other states and recently as far as Washington.
If you have an ash tree be on the lookout for these signs of EAB:
The adult emerald ash borer is a dark metallic green beetle with a bullet-shaped, slender body. When wings are spread, the top of the abdomen under the wings is metallic purplish red. Adults are most active during the day, from late May to mid-June. The larva (immature stage) is flattened, cream-colored, approximately 1 inch long when fully developed. Signs: Larvae feed under the bark of ash trees, leaving S-shaped galleries. Adults emerge from the tree, leaving D-shaped exit holes that are ⅛ inch in diameter.
Adult beetles nibble on ash foliage but cause little damage. The larvae, however, feed on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting the tree's ability to transport water and nutrients, which eventually kills the tree. All of Missouri’s native ashes can be affected, including green, white, pumpkin, and blue ash. Horticultural cultivars (such as Autumn Purple white ash or Marshall Seedless green ash) can be killed as well. The EAB infests trees ranging from saplings to fully mature specimens.
If you see signs of EAB please report them to forest.health@mdc.mo.gov
Once you’ve done that pick up the phone and call Steve’s Trees and Contracting (816)988-6617. We will go over all of your options, specializing in EAB treatments to protect your ash tree. Or full removals and replacement options on ash trees that have already been infected 💔. We are licensed and insured and dispose of our ash trees ethically.
For more info on the EAB :
To book your free consultation today:
1 Comment