The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has caused significant damage to Ash trees throughout the Pacific Northwest. As a result, many of these beautiful and bountiful trees have been lost. That’s why there has been a large public awareness campaign by the Department of Natural Resources and companies like Westcoast Tree Care to educate property owners in Bellevue, WA on the signs and symptoms of an EAB infestation.
EAB Tree Care Inspections
The winter offers an excellent time to have your trees inspected by a certified arborist for EAB. While an infestation may not be active due to the cold weather, signs of EAB remain visible. These can include a variety of indicators that can be easily spotted when a tree lacks it foliage:
Flecking Bark
During the dormant season, one of the clearest indicators of EAB is flecking bark. This happens when the bark of a tree starts peeling off the main limbs and branches (usually higher up in the canopy). This will result in a distinct tannish color where the bark has peeled off. When a tree infested with EAB gets to this point, it’s common to see where woodpeckers have caused further damage looking for EAB larvae and leaving holes behind in their wake.
Bark Splits
Another symptom of an EAB infestation is vertical bark splits. This happens when the female beetles lay their eggs beneath the bark of an Ash tree. Creamy white in color with bell-shaped body segments, the larvae then feed off a tree’s transportation tissues by burrowing paths and tunnels between the bark and wood causing it to die over time. These paths and exit-holes are much more visible and easier to spot during the winter months.
Deadwood
Deadwood is another indication of an EAB infestation. During the winter, the key to spotting deadwood is to look for vibrant leaf buds on the tips of branches. Healthy leaf buds are formed and left behind when a tree loses its leaves during the fall. If the buds are missing it usually means a branch is dead and will not recover.
Westcoast Tree Care
If you suspect an EAB infestation, it’s important to contact the certified arborist at Westcoast Tree Care. We will inspect your trees and provide you with the best course of action to prevent the spread of EAB and protect the remaining trees on your property. Our certified arborist is keenly invested in keeping your trees healthy, alive and beautiful using educated and sustainable practices to prevent the spread of EAB.
Contact us at 1.800.767.8733
