Emerald Ash Borer

The Emerald Ash Borer is a flying insect with a shimmering shade of green on its body. It is a member of the beetles. As an adult, it grows to about half an inch in length. They are called "ash trees" simply because they attack ash trees. When mature, the insect eats the leaves of the tree, but its white larva lives in the tree and builds galleries.

This insect came to us from Asia. It was in 2002 that it began to be spotted in North America. How did it get to us? By transporting various objects made of ash: crates or pallets for transport or firewood. It is also by these means that the insect travels within Canada, expanding its territory.

Its after-effects on the ash tree

It is very difficult to get rid of this insect, called invasive. Why is it so hard to get rid of? Simply because it has no natural predators in North America. In less than five years, it can kill a tree; sometimes a single year is enough. Usually, the degradation process goes through four stages. The first one takes 2 to 3 years, and then it is difficult to detect the signs of the insect's presence because they do not really appear.

The second stage sees the leaves of the tree turn yellow in the middle of summer and the tops begin to shed their leaves. During the third stage, about a year after the previous one, the clearing of the tops becomes more apparent and, at different places on the tree, greedy people grow. In the fourth and last stage, the following year, the greedy trees are present in great numbers, the bark of the tree crumbles and the ash tree eventually dies.

EAB attacks trees by starting at the top. When it reaches the ground, the damage is severe. It is a stage of high deterioration due to the deep galleries dug by the larvae. As a result, the sap can no longer circulate. As soon as the upper half of an ash tree is diseased, the tree must be felled. However, it is best to avoid felling the tree from the middle of March to the end of September. This is simply because it is during this period that the EAB proliferates.

How can I tell if EAB is present?

The damage caused by the larvae can take many years to become apparent. One of the signs is the presence of serpentine galleries that the larvae form. There are also so-called "exit holes" made by the adult insects to get out of the tree. These holes are shaped like a capital "D" because the insect has a bulging belly and a flattened back. When the bark crumbles because squirrels have removed the bark, or when holes are made by woodpeckers, it is because the bugs are feeding on the larvae. Another sign is abundant samaras, which indicate that the tree is under stress. Samaras are the seeds of the ash tree.

Preventive action can be taken. However, in order to do so, it is important to be able to spot signs or symptoms of infestation as early as possible, remembering that they start at the top of a tree. Visible signs include cracking, splitting, peeling, discolouration of the bark, or dripping sap. These are all signs of the injuries that the larvae cause to the tree. But then it is too late to talk about prevention. Early signs are much harder to spot because they are so subtle. Those who want to detect them must be experienced.

Do you count yourself among those who own ash trees? If so, you may want to check for yourself to see if you have any beneficials in your trees. Except that you need to know that distinguishing this insect from others, based on signs and symptoms, is not easy because the same signs can indicate the presence of different insects. It is best to reserve this task for specialists. That way, they can suggest the right treatment.

The preventive stage of the disease

A specialized protocol is used to detect EAB larvae. However, it is important to apply it before the first symptoms are visible. It is a technical procedure that requires knowledge and should therefore be reserved for connoisseurs. Branches are methodically selected according to specific criteria. Then their bark is peeled off. The timing of the process is important, as it is important to ensure that the larva is larger. This is the case during the autumn and winter seasons.

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How can EAB be prevented? Strange as it may seem, the most obvious way is to choose a species other than ash if you don't already have one. If your property does have some, it is advisable to purchase a variety of trees to diversify your planting.

If you heat with wood and your cord contains ash, check for EAB. It is always best to buy firewood locally. There are regulations from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency regarding the transportation of ash wood between contaminated and non-contaminated areas. Transportation in this case is limited to very specific conditions.

The material affected by the regulations is that which is made from ash: first, the trees themselves; second, logs, rough lumber, pallets or other packaging or transportation materials, chips or bark; and third, the vehicles that transport them.

It is good to know that fines of up to $15,000 are given for first offences, but for repeat or serious offences, they can be as high as $250,000. So don't expose yourself to unnecessary risks and respect the regulations that have been put in place.

Detection of diseases and invaders

Aside from EAB, there are many other invaders and diseases that can affect the health of your trees. Emondage Boucherville has the knowledge to help you with everything related to insects and diseases that can affect trees. Call us at 450-300-1319 for advice or fill out the form on this page. For information concerning our felling service, we invite you to consult this page.