photo USDA
Recent information has
confirmed that Emerald Ash Borer has been found in Northern Dutchess County in South Eastern New York. Though not unexpected, it is a milestone to have confirmed
its presence this side of the Hudson River.
Do you have a plan in place
to protect your valuable Ash trees? Treating your Ash trees before this bug
arrives has proven effective in protecting Ash trees from this deadly pest.
Emerald
Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis) was discovered in the Detroit region in 2002
but was likely established in that area in the mid 1990's. This small
brilliantly green insect is from China, where it is a minor forest insect
living on weakened Ash trees in its native forests. American Ash trees have no
natural resistance and are excellent hosts to this pest. Once infested with
this pest Ash trees decline and eventually die in 2 to 3 years. Small or
stressed trees may die in one season. One mode of transport this beetle shares
with other destructive pests is its ability to spread by hitchhiking on
firewood. Quarantines prohibiting the
movement of firewood and raw wood products are in place or will be in place in
many areas by years end. Efforts to eradicate the pest have been largely
unsuccessful, leading one official to describe it as “cutting a hole in a doughnut". The beetles have often spread beyond the site of initial
infestation by the time they are detected and treated. Efforts are taking place to look for
naturally resistant selections of Ash as well as locate natural predators that
may reduce Emerald Ash Borer's destructive abilities. What can you as a home
owner do to be prepared for this pest? If it has been detected in your area you
will need to protect Ash trees you want to preserve.
First you will need to assess
if you have Ash trees on your property and what the appropriate action you
should take. If you have Ash trees and want to protect them, you should
maintain the vigor of those trees with appropriate cultural measures. These may
include fertilization, root stimulants and mulching. Once EAB is close to your
area, there are proven systemic treatments that can prevent infestation by EAB.
Preparation and prevention are your best defenses against Emerald Ash Borer
damage. The chart below estimates the risk to your ash trees posed by EAB and can be described as follows:
0-5 miles from a known EAB
site- Extreme Risk,
5-10 miles from an EAB site High Risk,
10 miles and greater from an
EAB site Elevated Risk.
If you are in an area that is
at elevated risk you should be developing a plan with the help of your ISA
Certified Arborist. Take the time to contact your ISA Certified Arborist today
and have your property accessed for the potential impact of Emerald Ash Borer.
Panic is pointless, preparation is priceless.
