Emerald ash borerIt may be permissible in your community to fell a healthy ash tree. However, there are conditions: do it at a specific time of the year and replace it with another species. Felling a healthy ash tree can cost you up to 50% less than felling an infested tree. The amount you save reduces your costs of purchasing a replacement.
For more information, contact your Emondage Saint-Constant tree care service at 450-977-3901. Emerald Ash BorerEmerald ash borer is now present in Canada. It is a beetle that is ½ inches long and a beautiful metallic green. How is it spreading? It simply travels on crates, pallets, raw ash wood. In its larval stage, the EAB bores galleries in the wood. Once out, the insect flies and feeds on the leaves.
To date, there are no predators in all of North America. So trying to eradicate it is no easy task! Neither is saving the life of an infested ash tree! |
|
Consequences of its presence for an ash tree
How long do you think it takes EAB to kill an EAB tree victim? About five years. However, sometimes as little as one year is sufficient. It depends on the size of the plant involved.
The EAB is a marginal insect because it attacks little by little from the top of the tree to the ground. By dint of chewing inside, the larvae and their corridors in the wood end up compromising the good circulation of sap, and therefore, the arboreal specimen is no longer able to feed.
Let's develop a little bit the stages of an infestation. Stage 1: Invisible effects, lasting two to three years. Stage 2: From the second year on, the leaves turn yellow, the tops become slightly bare, sometimes branches. Stage 3: Twelve months later, leaf stripping becomes more pronounced. Stage 4: Another year, the infestation is so heavy that the ash tree dies.
Except that a tree must be felled as soon as it is halfway there. Inevitably. But not at any time. Avoiding the period between mid-March and mid-September, because the pest spreads then.
The EAB is a marginal insect because it attacks little by little from the top of the tree to the ground. By dint of chewing inside, the larvae and their corridors in the wood end up compromising the good circulation of sap, and therefore, the arboreal specimen is no longer able to feed.
Let's develop a little bit the stages of an infestation. Stage 1: Invisible effects, lasting two to three years. Stage 2: From the second year on, the leaves turn yellow, the tops become slightly bare, sometimes branches. Stage 3: Twelve months later, leaf stripping becomes more pronounced. Stage 4: Another year, the infestation is so heavy that the ash tree dies.
Except that a tree must be felled as soon as it is halfway there. Inevitably. But not at any time. Avoiding the period between mid-March and mid-September, because the pest spreads then.
Knowing how to identify the presence of Emerald ash borer
It is true that the inner larval activity is spread over a few years and is invisible. However, after a certain time, external signs become apparent, and, as previously mentioned, from top to bottom. Remarkable signs include 4 millimetre punctures that the insects pierce to get out. They look like a capital "D". Another clue is the widespread barking by squirrels. Or the holes of woodpeckers who love larvae. In fact, any damage to the bark is likely to be a sign of EAB.
Other clues include nibbled leaves, oozing sap, overabundant samaras or ash seeds... The latter indicates that the ash is under severe stress. This last element indicates that the ash tree is under severe stress. The meaning is the same if you see unwanted shoots on the trunk, close to the ground.
Similar damage is also caused by other animal or insect species, or it may even be due to weather. From experience, a professional has learned to make the necessary differences and distinguish between those that are truly caused by EAB. By getting the expert involved early, as he is then able to spot the unwanted insect, he may be able to save your cherished plant.
Do you own ash trees? Call on Emondage Saint-Constant's seasoned team for a free inspection of their condition, after which we will recommend appropriate interventions.
Other clues include nibbled leaves, oozing sap, overabundant samaras or ash seeds... The latter indicates that the ash is under severe stress. This last element indicates that the ash tree is under severe stress. The meaning is the same if you see unwanted shoots on the trunk, close to the ground.
Similar damage is also caused by other animal or insect species, or it may even be due to weather. From experience, a professional has learned to make the necessary differences and distinguish between those that are truly caused by EAB. By getting the expert involved early, as he is then able to spot the unwanted insect, he may be able to save your cherished plant.
Do you own ash trees? Call on Emondage Saint-Constant's seasoned team for a free inspection of their condition, after which we will recommend appropriate interventions.
The prevention stage
But can you spot the rascal when his presence and damage are still hidden? Yes, it is possible, because there is a specialized protocol for this purpose. It involves selecting a branch with predefined characteristics and removing its bark. If corridors have been dug, the EAB larvae are still active. This method is used during the fall and winter seasons. Why is this done? Because it is during these periods that the larvae are the largest, and therefore the most easily spotted.
Prevention
It is therefore recommended that you do not purchase new ash trees in the future. The reason is obvious: do not risk avoidable complications. Except that if you do own this type of tree, what can you do? You could acquire a few varied tree specimens. In fact, biodiversity helps to resist attacks.
If you heat with wood, ash is to be avoided, when such a thing is possible. When splitting a log, make sure that the EAB has not invaded it to avoid bringing it indoors.
Here's one last thing you should know: Canadian Food Inspection Agency regulations are in place to prevent contamination to unaffected areas, including the transportation of ash wood. However, any infraction is subject to stiff fines. You may as well supply your wood locally; you will avoid unnecessary risks. Tree cabling
If you heat with wood, ash is to be avoided, when such a thing is possible. When splitting a log, make sure that the EAB has not invaded it to avoid bringing it indoors.
Here's one last thing you should know: Canadian Food Inspection Agency regulations are in place to prevent contamination to unaffected areas, including the transportation of ash wood. However, any infraction is subject to stiff fines. You may as well supply your wood locally; you will avoid unnecessary risks. Tree cabling
Appelez-nous maintenant!
450-977-3901
450-977-3901
Tout droits réservés 2020