Portland Tree Care
While Emerald Ash Borer has infested and killed more than 100 million Ash trees throughout the U.S, it hasn’t yet been detected in Oregon. However, it’s just a matter of time before it arrives since affecting 22 states including nearby Colorado. What makes this especially alarming is that Emerald Ash Borer (EBA) does not have any immediate predators to keep it at bay thus making these deadly pests hard to control. That’s why Westcoast Tree Care would like to provide you with the following information concerning EAB and signs to look out for should this harmful pest start affecting the Oregon Ash trees of our beautiful state.
Emerald Ash Borer
Native to Russia and Asia, the Emerald Ash Borer is an invasive species that is making its way across the United States. By attacking and burrowing in Ash trees, the Emerald Ash Borer has already caused significant damage to the Ash tree population since its discovery in 2002 while killing off entire forests of these beautiful trees in the process.
Unfortunately, EAB attacks both healthy and unhealthy Oregon ash trees before destroying them completely by cutting off the water and nutrients they need to survive. While not immediate, it takes approximately 4-5 years after an Ash tree becomes infested by EAB before it dies from drought like symptoms.
Infestation Symptoms
Prevention is key when it comes to protecting the Oregon Ash trees in our beautiful state. That’s why it’s important to look for the following signs of an EAB infestation. Keep in mind, however, that it can take approximately 3-4 years of an EAB infestation before you are able to spot any decline in the health of your trees.
- A dark green and purple winged beetle
- Creamy white larvae
- Sparse leaves and canopy dieback
- D-shaped exit holes in the bark
- S-shaped tunnels under the bark
- Vertical fissures and cracks in the bark
Oregon Ash Trees
Emerald Ash Borer only affects true ash trees. These include our beloved Fraxinus Latifolia (Oregon Ash trees) located in Oregon, Washington, and California. To know if the trees on your property are Ash trees, you can check out the following guide by clicking here.
EAB Treatment
Treatment for Emerald Ash Borer is often done by drenching the soil around an infected tree with imidacloprid. However, this should only be done by a professional who knows what they are doing. If the Ash trees on your property are healthy and have more than half of the leaves with few signs of EAB, they can probably be saved. However, Ash trees with dead branches and half of their leaves missing are less likely to be saved. Furthermore, if an Ash tree is infested with more than 30% of crown dieback, it should be removed as soon as possible by a certified arborist to prevent the spread of EAB to nearby healthy trees.
Westcoast Tree Care
To learn more about Emerald Ash Borer and how to protect the trees on your Oregon property, contact the certified arborist at Westcoast Tree Care by filling out our online form or call us at 1.800.767.8733. We are a full-service Portland tree care company and would be happy to answer all your questions as we strive to provide the best preventative tree care in a safe, professional manner.
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