Emerald Ash Beetles Bringing Destruction To Salem Trees

SALEM, MA — The beetle invasion is increasing in Salem.

The Salem Tree Commission on Friday became the second on the North Shore in recent weeks — joining Swampscott — warning against increased activity from the emerald ash borer beetle and asking for residents to check their trees for this destructive infestation.

This invasive species kills ash trees by tunneling into the bark, disrupting the vascular system of the tree and preventing nutrients from reaching the leaves.

The Salem Tree Commission said the emerald ash borer has been detected in 217 communities across the state, according to the state Department of Conservation and Recreation, and is believed responsible for the death of millions of trees in 36 states across the country.

Salem property owners are urged to monitor the health of their trees and have them treated or removed if found infected. Signs of infection can be found here.

The Tree Commission said that with early detection there are treatment options that can save trees not seriously affected.

The Commission asks that residents who are forced to remove severely affected or dying trees consider planting new trees in their place to "maintain the cooling and water management benefits of our urban tree canopy."

The Salem Tree Manual, which includes photo essays and proper planting techniques for new trees and suggested tree species for planting, can be found here.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)