The emerald ash borer bears a beautiful name in spite of its proclivity towards ash tree destruction. Emerald ash borers feature a green iridescent shell that ancient civilizations compared to the precious gemstone, and shells were worn as jewelry and adornments.
Emerald ash borers are not native to the United States. According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the EAB was identified in 2002. Today, every native ash tree in the U.S. and Missouri is vulnerable to the insect. What are the options for emerald ash borer treatment?
Table of Contents:
Identifying the Native Ash Trees of Missouri
- Green Ash Tree
- White Ash Tree
- Blue Ash Tree
- Red Ash Tree
- Sullivan’s Ash Tree
- Biltmore Ash
Emerald Ash Borer Facts
How Was the Emerald Ash Borer Introduced?
How to Treat Ash Trees for Emerald Ash Borer
How Long Will a Dead Ash Tree Stand?
Ash Tree Removal
Key Takeaways:
The emerald ash borer infestation now spans across the U.S. Missouri’s native ash trees are vulnerable to infestation. Homeowners must identify all ash trees on their property, as an infestation leads to brittle trees that pose a hazard to property and lives.
Identifying the Native Ash Trees of Missouri
Missouri features numerous species of ash trees, and the emerald ash borer infests all of them. The most common ash trees in Missouri include:
- Green ash tree
- White ash tree
- Sullivan’s ash tree
- Blue ash tree
- Pumpkin ash
Most Missourians are not arborists. Identifying the type of tree on the property isn’t always simple. However, as all ash trees are vulnerable to the ash borer, homeowners must understand if they have an ash tree on their land.
Download an app called Seek (available on Google Play and the App Store) to simplify the identification process. With Seek, use the phone camera to capture the image of any tree, plant, insect, or animal; hold the camera steady, and the app identifies the species!
Green Ash Tree
The green ash grows to soaring heights–70+ feet. Leaves feature numerous smaller leaves or “leaflets” (between five and nine). Some refer to the green ash as the red ash.
White Ash Tree
White ash trees are sometimes called Biltmore ash, and these trees are very famous for their use: baseball bats! The wood of the white ash is known for its strength, and it is the choice wood for professional bats. They can grow to a height of 60 to 100 feet! The “white” of their name is derived from the semi-white hue of the underside of the tree leaves.
Sullivan’s Ash Tree
The Missouri Department of Conservation considers this ash tree a separate variety from white ash. Others believe Sullivan’s ash is another type of white ash.
Blue Ash Tree
The blue ash is a midwestern ash. These trees are found in the Ozarks. This ash species is known as “blue ash” because of the dye found in the bark.
Pumpkin Ash
Missouri also is the home of the pumpkin ash. However, this ash tree is likely not a variety found in many backyards as it loves wet areas like swamps and marshes. The tree grows to a height of around 60 to 80 feet. The trunk resembles a pumpkin when it swells from the water.
Emerald Ash Borer Facts
While the emerald ash borer was identified in 2002, many professionals believe it arrived sooner–probably in the 90s.
Adult borers lay eggs in small indentations of the ash tree bark. The larvae burrow into the tree when they hatch and begin their destructive feeding. Larvae feast on the interior tissue of ash trees, depleting natural resources for the tree. This feeding continues for about two years.
Signs of emerald ash borer infestation include leaves that turn colorful before fall, exit holes or openings that look like the letter “d,” sudden green shoots, and even increased woodpecker activity.
How Was the Emerald Ash Borer Introduced?
The emerald ash borer is native to Asia, and the theory of its introduction to the U.S. ecosystem is that it arrived from China via wood shipping crates.
How to Treat Ash Trees for Emerald Ash Borer
Unfortunately, once an emerald ash borer infestation takes root, there is only one solution: tree removal. However, if ash trees are not yet infested, insecticides help prevent infestation. Healthy trees should be treated. Otherwise, healthy trees should be removed as they are vulnerable to infestation.
How Long Will a Dead Ash Tree Stand?
The ash borer is dangerous because the infestation leads to very brittle trees. A heavy wind or storm can quickly send the tree crashing down, leading to property damage or injuries. Emerald ash borer infestations kill healthy trees, and these trees pose a danger to property and lives. This is why it is crucial to either treat healthy trees or remove them.
Ash Tree Removal
S.M.B. Family Tree Service manages the removal of ash trees from the property. Homeowners who suspect an EAB infestation can contact us to discuss professional tree removal. S.M.B. also treats healthy ash trees to help protect them against borer infestation. Call S.M.B. today to discuss treatment or removal options for your ash trees. Remember that all ash trees are food sources for the emerald ash borer; the tree will die when infestation occurs. Dying ash trees pose a property risk and are an expensive financial liability.