Due to the fact that emerald ash borers do most of their damage inside the tree, visible signs of damage are not easily detected in the early stages of infestation. Trees typically are killed in two to four years. When trees are first attacked by EABs, the symptoms are inconspicuous and hard to notice. By the end of the second year, thinning foliage and dieback in the crown begins to be apparent. By the third year, there is severe dieback and significant canopy loss. Other symptoms may include vertical splits in the trunk and woodpecker holes.
Emerald Ash Borer Protection
EAB has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees. Don’t let it take yours.
Do you have an Ash tree that you have been protecting or one that is considered a “lingering Ash” that was lucky enough to have survived this far? Without a management program in effect for this insect, it is unlikely that your Ash trees will continue to thrive or survive. Our Emerald Ash Borer Program has been successful at every attempt when it has been administered early enough.
Identifying EAB Damage on Ash Trees
EAB Protection Program
In recent years, a treatment for protecting ash trees has been developed. Known as TREE-age, this treatment is injected into the trunk of the tree and protects the tree from both the EAB beetles and the larvae. The active ingredient in TREE-age is Emamectin Benzoate – a close relative to products used for years in salmon farming, fruit and vegetable farming, and in veterinary medicine. Studies done at Michigan State University found that treatments of TREE-age were 100% effective on EAB beetles and 99% effective on larvae. Treatments were also found to last up to 2 years inside the tree giving long term protection. Michigan State University is recommending that any ash trees in quarantined areas be injected with TREE-age.
EAB Treatments in Chicago Suburbs
Turf Care Enterprises has been providing TREE-age as a protection against EAB for over a decade in the Northwest Chicago suburbs. We are proud to say that our clients have experienced a 99% success rate using our proven EAB protection methods. If you have ash trees on your property, have our ISA certified arborists protect them from EAB with our tried and proven method.
Pro Tip: Protect Your Ash Trees – Before They Are Infested
Even if your Ash trees are not showing signs of infestation, the best approach is a preventative one. Call one of our ISA Certified Arborists today to schedule an assessment.
Common Questions About Emerald Ash Borer
What is an Emerald Ash Borer?
The adult Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), (agrilus planipennis Fairmaire) is a metallic green beetle only 1/2 inch long and 1/8 inch wide. This native to Asia was discovered in Michigan in 2002 and in 2006 it moved into Illinois and spread aggressively throughout the state killing over 200 million trees since then.
EABs generally have a one year life cycle although that can be extended to two years in a vigorous host. These insects overwinter as fully grown larvae in chambers constructed under the bark of ash trees. They pupate in early spring and emerge as adults to seek out other ash trees, leaving characteristic D-shaped exit holes in the bark. Depending on where you live in Illinois, expect adults to emerge any time from late May to August.
After feeding on leaves, adults mate and the females lay eggs on the bark or in small cracks in the tree. Eggs hatch in 7 to 10 days. The whitish larvae, called flatheaded borers, tunnel under the bark, creating a series of winding, S-shaped galleries in the phloem and outer sapwood. These tunnels girdle the trunk and branches, inhibiting the vital flow of water and nutrients from the roots to the branch tips. The larvae feed until fall then overwinter as prepupal larvae. This internal feeding causes permanent damage which eventually leads to the death of the tree.
Excellent service with very knowledgeable technicians. Process both in their office and onsite explanation of the details. We’ve had our Ash trees treated with them for years.
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