Protect your Ash Trees

The Emerald Ash Borer is a boring insect that has been on our radar for a while. It is killing Ash trees wherever it is found, and we have been on the lookout for this insect as it spreads and comes closer to our area. We have had a recent report that the Emerald Ash Borer has been found in Springfield, MO, and now is the time to protect your Ash trees.

The Emerald Ash Borer only attacks Ash Trees and the tunnels that are made by the larvae of this insect disrupt the living tissues underneath the bark of the tree. The trees cannot survive the injury caused by large populations of EAB and the damage has been devastating. Missouri has quite a few Ash trees, most common are White and Green Ash.

The treatment we are using is an injection into the trunk that will go into the tree systemically and will provide protection for two years.

How do you know if you have an Ash Tree?

Ash Trees have opposite branching pattern opposed to alternate. So, the branches will be directly across from each other.

Another major identifying characteristic is the Ash’s compound leaves, holding 5-9 leaflets.

The bark has deep ridges that form a diamond or ‘X’ pattern.

Female Ash Trees have the characteristic ‘helicopter’ fruit as pictured. While several trees have many of these same characteristics, it is best to use multiple characteristics to identify your trees.

If you are still unsure about the identification of your tree species, give your arborist a call to determine if your tree needs protecting from the Emerald Ash Borer.

It is important to protect your Ash trees before the Emerald Ash Borer gets to your tree and too much damage is done to save the tree. Questions about the Emerald Ash Borer, spotting the signs, or how we can help?
Contact us – your local, expert arborists.