History

Severe issue facing Ash Trees in the Southeastern Michigan Area is the Emerald Ash Borer. Though this insect originated in Asia, it has found its way to America. It is believed that this type of exotic beetle probably arrived in the United States on solid wood packing material carried by cargo ships or airplanes. Though there are only six Michigan counties, Wayne, Washtenaw, Macomb, Livingston, Oakland and Monroe to report this problem, it is very contagious and should be taken seriously. The disastrous affects of this insect have been compared to the Dutch Elm Disease that has destroyed so many American Elm Trees.

What to look for

Infected Ash Trees can be identified by:

• Thinning or deadness in the top third of the tree
• Live branches just below the dead area
• D-shaped exit holes in the bark
• S-shaped grooves under the bark
• Vertical splits in the bark

What action to take

As a preventative measure, Ash Trees should be treated with insecticide sprays and soil injections yearly to keep them healthy and borer free. If a tree has visible signs of infection, it should be removed entirely. Trees in good condition with minimal exposure to the borer can be treated with a special insecticide.

It is our recommendation to have your trees inspected, treated, and/or removed if need be. Please contact us for more information.

For additional information, please visit the links below:

http://www.emeraldashborer.info

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mda_EAB_Hitchhiker_Brochure3_146785_7.pdf

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