Today, we will continue our discussion of the Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis) by looking into possible ways to manage EAB and save Ash Trees. First we need to inventory all the Ash trees on the property and rank them by level of importance. There are several promising insecticide treatment programs, but remember this is going to be a long term preventive care management program that requires annual treatments. I personally would recommend beginning an EAB treatment program with the most important Ash trees in your landscape and only those with good health and vitality. The EAB, like many invasive wood boring insects, have sensory mechanisms that allow them to hone in on trees already experiencing stress. A healthy Ash tree is going to have a much stronger defense system already in place making it a better candidate for EAB management programs. Sadly, we often have to make decisions to remove our favorite Ash tree because it is stressed and could be an attractor for the EAB.
Contact your local Licensed Arborist to make positive identification of Emerald Ash Borer prior to any insecticide applications. According to literature cited from the U.S. Forest Service, Ash trees with a DBH (diameter at breast height) of 20 inches or less can easily be saved using over the counter soil drench insecticides containing 1.47% imidacloprid. These are most effective if applied between April 1 – May 15. Ash trees greater than 20 inch DBH should be treated by a professional licensed Arborist who can make later treatments using professional strength insecticides.
The Connecticut Agriculture Experiment Station is doing everything it can to control this devastating exotic insect. Please be mindful of transporting Ash wood away from your local area. EAB larva has spread to many areas of the country within unsuspecting firewood. The Connecticut Agriculture Experiment Station has placed a moratorium on moving firewood outside New Haven County without a permit. Please don’t move Ash logs outside your local area; by so doing you may be giving the EAB a free ride to a new area. Please note the attached photos for other similar insects that look like Emerald Ash Borer. EAB adults are quite small only 7.5 – 13.5 mm long, smaller than a U.S. penny!
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Your Yacko and Sons Tree Service staff Forester can help determine if your Ash trees have Emerald Ash Borer. If you suspect EAB please contact Forester Jeff or any local Licensed Arborist. All positive identification of EAB needs to be reported to the local Connecticut Agriculture Experiment Station.
Contact Forester Jeff at jeff@yackoandsons.com or 203-733-9219
