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Emerald Ash Borer Killing Ash Trees |
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The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a wood-boring insect that only kills Ash trees. It is not harmful to pets or humans. It is a species from Asia, introduced most likely through wood-packing materials. The EAB has recently been discovered in Ash trees just outside the City limits. Gaithersburg is being proactive in treating its healthy Ash trees now to ward off an EAB infestation and save its trees. What Does the Borer Do? The EAB is only destructive in the larval stage. In its adult beetle form, it poses no threat. The larvae eat the cambium layer of the tree in a zigzag pattern, disrupting the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients. It only takes 30% damage for the tree to be killed, which can happen quite quickly. While the tree might look OK from the outside, the damage may have already been done. The telltale sign for EAB is the "D" shaped emergence holes. The emergence holes of other borers are circular. What the City is doing: Fortunately for Gaithersburg, our overall public Ash tree count is low. Anticipating the day we would have to deal with EAB, we have not allowed the planting of Ash trees on City streets or in public parks for several years now. There are less than 400 Ash trees in the public right-of-way, although there are more in City parks and on private property. Most of the City’s Ash trees are located in Quince Orchard Park, Kentlands and Lakelands. Others can be found in medians throughout the City. To preempt an infestation, we will be pre-treating Ash trees in public areas with a soil drench/injection product mixed with water. The active ingredient is Imidacloprid, the same active ingredient in flea and tick treatments for pets. The process involves pulling back the mulch and soil to a depth of 6-12", pouring the mixture at the base, covering it, and allowing the tree to drink it in. There is no smell or after effects. It should take less than a week to treat all of the public Ash trees in Gaithersburg. The City has begun working with neighborhood groups, Homeowners Associations and Management Companies where public Ash trees are present to advise them of the situation and keep them abreast of treatment plans. We are encouraging homeowners and communities to develop their own action plans for Ash trees on private or communal property. Please note that Ash trees face a number of issues besides EAB. Some Ash trees on public property are in less than desirable condition now due to other factors, and will need to be removed and replaced, which we will do with something other than Ash. It is important to keep a diverse landscape. If new insects are introduced or diseases hit our trees, we will have a greater chance of avoiding major loss. What you can do:
Resources: How to Identify an Ash Tree General EAB Information How to Identify EAB EAB Signs and Symptoms EAB Position Paper by Society of Municipal Arborists Fairfax County Flyer: Help Stop the Spread of EAB Common Problems of Ash Trees (non EAB-related) Alternatives to Ash Trees Firewood Caution Posted on ActiveRain as a community service.
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