Did you know that the EAB, or emerald ash borer, was first discovered in the United States in 2002 in Michigan? Emerald ash borers destroy ash trees, and they are responsible for the destruction of more than 50 million ash trees in the United States. As a result, it is important to learn about the emerald ash borer so that you can effectively eliminate it before you attempt to begin any small backyard landscaping projects.

1. What is the emerald ash borer? It is thought that emerald ash borers arrived in the U.S. on solid wood packing materials that came from Asia. Adult EABs are only about one-third of an inch long and one-sixteenth of an inch wide, and they are metallic green in color. Although EABs are small and sometimes difficult to spot, they are a significant threat to urban, suburban, and rural forests.

2. What are the symptoms of EAB infestation? There are several ways to spot an infestation. Wilting foliage, D-shaped holes in the trunk and branches, cracked or split bark, branch dieback, and canopy thinning, for example, are all common signs of infestation. Since emerald ash borers often cause ash tree disease, they must be stopped from infecting these trees.

3. How can EAB infestation be treated? Emerald ash borer treatment typically involves injecting insecticide into the base of the tree. This treatment must be applied once every two years in order to be effective, and it is especially recommended for tress that have more than 50% infestation. EAB infestation often happens quickly, so it is important to apply this treatment as soon as you suspect infestation.

Since ash trees are highly desirable for urban tree planting and filling the gaps in forests, emerald ash borers must be effectively eliminated. In order to accomplish this, it is important to learn about the emerald ash borer and how to treat ash tree disease. By ridding your trees of the EAB, you can finally begin your small backyard landscaping project.