EAB - Emerald Ash Borer

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What is the Emerald Ash Borer?

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a fast-moving, invasive pest that quickly kills ash trees. EAB was discovered in New Jersey in May 2014 in Somerset County. EAB infestations throughout the U.S. and Canada have killed hundreds of millions of ash trees since 2002.

The USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) states that EAB and other invasive pests will have an impact on the environment similar to, if not greater than global warming

How Does EAB Spread?

Firewood

EAB is commonly spread through the transportation of firewood from an ash tree. Since EAB larvae feed below the bark, infected wood is difficult to recognize.

Emerald Ash Borer
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Flight & Reproduction

A mature EAB adult has a short life span, making reproduction a top priority. With the ability to fly, EAB quickly spreads to neighboring ash trees. A mature adult will lay 100’s of eggs on the bark of an ash.

We have improved efficiency by performing tree removals with cranes and yard-friendly equipment to remove the tree debris. Our team is focused on protecting your property throughout the duration of your project. We use ground protection mats to help reduce our impact on your property.

Am I at Risk if I Have Ash Trees?

EAB arrived in New Jersey in 2014. As of late 2015, EAB has been detected in these six counties:

The ISA (International Society of Arborists) New Jersey Chapter anticipates that all untreated ash trees will be destroyed by EAB as soon as 2025.

If you have ash trees on your property, you are at a high risk of EAB. CLICK HERE for a complete map of EAB infestations in North America.

How Do I Identify an Ash Tree?

By the Bark

Mature Ash Tree: Has deep ridges and the grooves of the bark create diamond patterns.
Young Ash Tree: Has smooth bark.

By the Leaves

Ash leaves have between 5-11 leaflets. Leaflets may have smooth or rigid edges. Ash leaflets are opposite one from another with one leaflet at the end of the leaf. This is a less common leaf configuration for a tree. An ash tree is one of the last trees to leaf out in the spring and one of the first trees to shed its leaves in autumn.

By the Branch Pattern

Branches of an ash tree appear opposite one from the other. This is a less common branch configuration for a tree.

What Does a Mature Ash Tree Look Like?

A mature ash tree will typically reach heights of 45-80′ tall, although the tallest reported ash tree is 106′ tall and over four feet in diameter. There are many species of ash trees. Certain ash species can live to be 300+ years old.

What are Ash Trees Good for?

Shade

With there tall and wide canopies, ash trees make wonderful shade trees. Shade trees assist with lowering utility costs for heating and cooling. They also protect us from harmful UV rays.

Furniture

Ash is a commonly used wood for both home and office furniture. Strong and durable, ash was used for horse drawn carriages.

Instruments

Ash is used in the production of instruments, such as guitars and drums.

Sporting Equipment

Strong and elastic, ash is perfect for wooden sporting equipment.

What Will EAB Do to My Ash Trees & the Environment?

EAB quickly kills ash trees. As the larvae eats through the cambium, which is the layer of the tree that transports nutrients, the tree’s ability to send up nutrients is halted, leading to the death of the tree.

Once EAB enters an ash, the tree will die within two to three years. An infested ash tree will show signs of a thinning canopy before total canopy loss. Once EAB is introduced into an area, it spreads rapidly to near by ash trees.

EAB Destruction

EAB’s devastating effect on ash trees changes our urban forests for the worse.

Ash trees make for wonderful shade trees and line many of our neighborhood streets. The loss of our ash trees would be devastating.

Taledo, OH: The photo on the left was taken in June 2006 and the photo on the right was taken in August of 2009.

Ash trees make for wonderful shade trees and line many of our neighborhood streets. The loss of our ash trees would be devastating. Below photo’s courtesy of Rainbow Tree Care.

A beautiful ash-lined street. Within 3 years EAB changed the quality of life for those who live on this street. The loss of mature trees caused property value to decline.

Infected Ash Trees Before Removal

Infected Ash Trees After Removal

What are the Signs of EAB?

How to Protect Your Ash Trees

To protect an ash tree from EAB, trunk injections must be performed by a certified and licensed professional.

Contact Princeton Tree Care today for an EAB Consultation.

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