There are five native species of ash trees in Georgia: Green, Carolina, Pumpkin, Blue, & White. Green ash is the most commonly found ash tree in our area. These trees are beautiful and provide much needed shade to the residents of Georgia. Unfortunately, the ash tree population is in danger. The Emerald Ash Borers are destroying the ash tree population and wreaking havoc to ash trees all across the United States. Milam’s Tree Service is here to talk about Emerald Ash Borers and the steps that are being taken to ensure they don’t wipe out the ash tree population.

Identifying Emerald Ash Borers

The Emerald Ash Borer is an exotic wood-boring beetle that is native to Asia. They are a bright metallic, emerald green color once they grow into adulthood and are less than ½ inch long. The larvae feed on the inner bark of the ash trees, which make it so the tree can’t get the water and nutrients needed to survive. This will ultimately kill the tree. Homeowners and business owners alike have lost tens of thousands due to the damage caused by this destructive pest.

Signs of Emerald Ash Borers

There are several signs present when you have a problem with emerald ash borers. Here are some things to watch for:
• Struggling Tree Canopy– When you have emerald ash borers present, you will see the top of your canopy struggling. This will start at the top and work its way down until the tree is finally bare.
• Epicormic Tree Shoots– You may start to notice epicormic shoots start to grow. These are roots that shoot up out of the roots and the trunk of your ash tree.
• Woodpecker Activity in Trees– Woodpeckers are attracted to emerald ash borers and will create large hole in the bark of your tree looking for them.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Puts Regulations in Place to Slow the Spread of EAB

Unfortunately, the human population is assisting in the spread of this destructive pest. For this reason, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has put regulations in place to help slow the spread of EAB. In areas where EAB has been reported, the transport of ash products like firewood and young trees in nurseries has been limited. Ash firewood shouldn’t be moved outside the county that the wood has originated to keep EAB from spreading further.

Emerald Ash Borer Ash Tree Treatment

A complete infestation of EAB takes between 2-4 years. For this reason, sometimes the problem isn’t caught until it is too late. When a tree is completely infested with EAB, it needs to be cut down as soon as possible to prevent spreading of the pest. For those ash trees that are able to receive treatment before becoming infested, an insecticide is injected into the tree to kill the beetles. There is also a method where the soil surrounding the tree is drenched in insecticide as well as the lower part of the tree.

Tree Trimming & Removal Services in McDonough, Jackson, Jonesboro, Fayetteville & Hampton as well as Fayette, Clayton & Henry Counties in Central Georgia

If you have an ash tree that is infested with EAB, it is important that it is removed as soon as possible. The experts at Milam’s Tree Service have the training and experience to remove your tree safely before the problem spreads. Call us today!