The emerald ash borer (EAB) is a small, green beetle that has caused severe damage to ash trees in North America. First found in the United States in 2002, this pest has killed millions of ash trees. For homeowners and property managers in the Cincinnati Tri-State Area, recognizing the signs of EAB and knowing how to treat it is crucial.
Signs of Emerald Ash Borer Infestation
Detecting EAB early can save your trees. Look for these signs:
D-shaped Exit Holes: Small, D-shaped holes about 1/8 inch wide on the tree bark.
S-shaped Larval Tunnels: Under the bark, the larvae create winding tunnels that disrupt the tree's nutrients.
Thinning Canopy: The top of the tree starts to thin out and lose leaves.
Bark Splitting: The bark may split, exposing larval tunnels underneath.
New Shoots: Stressed trees may grow new shoots on their trunk or lower branches.
Woodpecker Damage: More woodpecker activity may indicate larvae beneath the bark.
Our Treatment Solution: Tree IV
At Gregory Forrest Lester, Inc., we offer a specialized treatment to protect your ash trees from EAB using a Tree IV system.
How Our Tree IV Works:
Direct Delivery: Our Tree IV treatment involves injecting insecticides directly into the tree's vascular system.
Systemic Protection: The treatment spreads throughout the tree, targeting both larvae and adult beetles.
Long-Lasting: One Tree IV treatment provides protection for up to two years.
Best Time to Treat: May-June
The best time to treat your ash trees is from May to June. During this period, beetles are laying eggs, and larvae are starting to feed. Treating trees at this time ensures the treatment is most effective.
Why Treating Your Ash Trees Is Important
If left untreated, EAB can cause severe damage:
Branch Dieback: The top branches die off first, leading to overall decline.
Brittle Branches: Affected branches become brittle and can break easily.
Hazardous Trees: Dead or dying trees pose a safety risk as branches can fall and cause injury or damage.
Treating your ash trees helps maintain their health, beauty, and safety, protecting your property and loved ones from potential harm.
Conclusion
The emerald ash borer is a serious threat, but with early detection and effective treatment, you can protect your ash trees. Gregory Forrest Lester, Inc. offers a reliable Tree IV system to keep your trees healthy. Remember, May to June is the best time to treat your trees. Don't wait—act now to save your ash trees and preserve the green beauty of the Cincinnati Tri-State Area.
Lester Leaf Tree-rific Trivia:
The EAB has hit Ohio hard, killing tens of millions of ash trees. It's estimated that around 40 million ash trees have died in the state. This massive loss highlights why it's so important to treat and protect the ash trees that are still standing.