Emerald ash borer (EAB) is nothing less than a killing machine when it comes to taking out the ash species that grow in Minnesota. Originally from Russia and Asia, the invasive EAB thrives by tunneling under the bark of North American ash trees that do not have the natural defenses to keep the beetle population in check. EAB was first documented in America in 2002, and in Minnesota seven years later. They attack healthy and unhealthy trees alike.
EAB finds new hosts by flying during their active season in the late spring and summer or hitching a ride (at any time of year) on firewood transported by unwitting humans. EAB are green, iridescent, and about the size of a penny. Natural antifreeze in their bodies means that winter can’t be counted on to kill them off like other kinds of insects – EAB can survive at temperatures down to 20 or 30 degrees below zero before they start to experience widespread mortality. Woodpeckers do go after their immature stage- the larvae making it evident that a tree is infested as they chip off the darker outer bark and revealing the light inner bark, but there aren’t enough birds to mitigate the infestation.
The Tree Shield
Studies have shown its application lasts for about two years and can kill up to 100 percent of the EAB that reside in the tree. The pesticide is applied by drilling several small holes in the base of the ash tree and then pumping the fluid into the tree’s circulatory system – a bit like harvesting maple syrup, but in reverse.
Consider scheduling a tree injection for your ash tree and do your part to keep your neighborhood green. Take a look at this heat map of EAB infestation from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. If your find yourself within 10 miles of an infested area, the time is now to save your ash!
Get your tree treated by a company that has ISA Certified arborists on staff
