The Emerald Ash Borer
The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a highly destructive, invasive insect species that poses a significant threat to ash trees across North America. Native to Asia, the EAB was accidentally introduced in the early 2000s and has since spread rapidly, devastating ash tree populations in its wake. The EAB's ability to rapidly reproduce and its resistance to many traditional pest control methods make it an incredibly invasive species, requiring careful monitoring and management strategies to protect valuable ash tree resources. EAB is responsible for killing millions of ash trees across much of the country. Texas A&M warns that EAB is a significant threat to urban, suburban and rural forests as it kills both stressed and healthy ash trees. EAB is very aggressive, and ash trees may die within two or three years after they become infested. Ash trees are widespread in the United States and all 16 native ash species are susceptible to attack. According to Texas A&M as of July 2023, EAB has been detected in 13 additional counties in Texas since the original Harrison County detection was made in 2016.
The EAB larvae tunnel beneath the bark, disrupting the tree's transport system and cutting off the flow of water and nutrients. As a result, infected ash trees show signs of decline, including thinning canopies, premature leaf loss, and branch dieback. If left untreated, the infestation ultimately leads to tree mortality. The destructive nature of the emerald ash borer poses a significant threat to ash tree populations, requiring immediate action and proactive management strategies to combat its spread. Things to look out for to see if you may have an infestation are dead branches near the top of a tree, leafy shoots sprouting from the trunk, bark splits exposing larval galleries, extensive woodpecker activity, and D‐shaped exit holes.
Several commercially available products are registered for treatment of EAB. Trees can be treated with soil injections or drenches, trunk injections, or trunk sprays.
If you have any issue with Emerald Ash Borers in Texas, Arbor Source Tree Experts can help. We will take all of the worry out of keeping your trees and shrubs healthy and beautiful year round. Visit us at www.ArborSource.net to request a visit from our ISA Certified Arborist or call (832) 671-0331.
Two adult Emerald Ash Borers with a penny for size reference. Note “D”-shaped exit holes to the left. Image courtesy newbruswicktoday.com
