Where The Emerald Ash Borer Has Been Found in South Brunswick

South Brunswick, NJ - Last week, we reported that the devastating emerald ash borer has been found in South Brunswick Township.

This beetle is an invasive species and can wipe out entire ash tree populations. It was found in a large ash tree along Friendship Rd. near the borders with Plainsboro and Cranbury townships, South Brunswick Township Arborist Jeff Cramer told Patch. South Brunswick may respond by proactively digging up and removing all the ash trees in the Township and replanting them with another type of tree, Township officials said last week.

"The insect has not yet been identified at other Township locations as it is very difficult to locate at early stages and lower beginning populations," Cramer said.

The beetle, which is not native to New Jersey, can be devastating: Very high, if not total, mortality of ash trees can be expected, with tree death usually occurring within 2-4 years as the bug populations rises. The ash borer has been found in nearby Cranbury and also in Moorestown, where it is estimated in the next 5-8 years all ash trees may be dead.

After it was found, South Brunswick will now do an inventory of all the ash trees in the Township, with the goal being to locate the quantity, condition, and size of all the ash trees located on public property. Part of the plan may include removing ash trees and planting them with another type of tree.

Photo: Ash tree/Wikimedia Commons/Author: Humphrey Bolton