The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive beetle that kills ash trees. Since its first detection in Michigan in 2002, it has spread across more than 35 states and killed hundreds of millions of ash trees. Scientists have called it “the most destructive and economically costly forest insect to ever invade North America.”<\/p>\n
Without a natural predator on this continent, EAB populations explode wherever ash trees grow. The adult beetles are small \u2014 roughly half an inch long with a metallic green shell \u2014 and cause only minor leaf damage. The real destruction comes from the larvae. After eggs hatch beneath the bark, larvae feed on the phloem and sapwood, the tissues that carry water and nutrients throughout the tree. A heavily infested ash can have thousands of larvae tunneling S-shaped galleries under the bark at the same time, effectively choking off the tree’s circulatory system. Most untreated trees die within two to four years of the initial infestation.<\/p>\n
Routine inspection and monitoring of your trees helps ensure early detection. While the insect itself is small and difficult to spot, there are visible warning signs every Chicago-area homeowner should watch for:<\/p>\n
The most effective treatment for EAB is a systemic insecticide \u2014 typically containing emamectin benzoate \u2014 that is injected directly into the trunk. The tree distributes the product through its vascular system, killing larvae as they feed. Treatments are typically applied every two to three years and are most successful when started before the tree has lost more than half its canopy. Soil drenches with imidacloprid are another option for smaller trees and can be applied as a preventive measure before any symptoms appear.<\/p>\n
At Greener Living, we have tree care professionals on staff who can inspect your ash trees, diagnose the level of infestation, and recommend the right treatment plan. Early intervention is the key \u2014 once canopy loss exceeds 50 percent, saving the tree becomes much more difficult and costly. If you suspect your ash trees may be affected, contact us at 224-415-3698<\/a> or request a free estimate<\/a> to schedule a tree care appointment right away.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive beetle that kills ash trees. Since its first detection in Michigan in 2002, it has spread across more than 35 states and killed hundreds of millions of ash trees. Scientists have called it “the most destructive and economically costly forest insect to ever invade North America.” Why …<\/p>\n