Are your ash trees starting to die prematurely? If you've noticed beetles around your yard, it can indicate that the emerald ash borer has invaded your trees. These insects can be highly destructive to trees and can be costly if you need to replace them sooner than expected.
Fortunately, you can protect your trees by scheduling emerald ash borer treatment and control services. Learn more about these insects and the potential treatments you can schedule (and how our team at Minnesota Landscapes can help).
While you might think a few beetles around your trees are no big deal—and might even be expected—the emerald ash borer can quickly cause major damage to your ash trees.
These beetles are small, metallic green insects about the size of a dime. They lay eggs on the bark of ash trees, and the larvae that hatch burrow beneath the bark. The larvae then feed on the tree's inner bark, harming it. The ash tree can die within a few years of infestation.
This invasive species of beetle is native to Asia. It was discovered in the U.S. in 2002 near Detroit and quickly spread throughout North America.
There is currently no cure for emerald ash borer infestation. Still, there are numerous types of treatments and control measures that can be taken to slow the spread and protect the trees.
To extend the lifespan of your ash tree, it is essential to hire a professional landscaper to perform treatment that can prevent insects from infesting healthy trees and prolong the life of infested ones.
Here are some common treatment types:
One of the most effective methods for treating established trees is to inject an insecticide directly into the tree's vascular system. The insecticide is then distributed throughout the tree, killing any emerald ash borers feeding on it. This highly effective treatment requires a trained arborist.
Another incredibly effective option for younger trees is to apply insecticide around the tree's base directly into the soil. The insecticide is absorbed by the roots and carried throughout the tree to deter emerald ash borers. This can be less expensive than the trunk injection, but it needs to be performed about once a year.
Bark sprays are available for trees, but they are not commonly recommended because they are less effective. The spray is applied directly to the tree's bark during these treatments. One disadvantage of this method is that it can also harm beneficial insects and be messy.
An arborist or landscaping professional might recommend removing the tree as a last resort. This is typically only advised if the tree is severely infested to prevent it from further spreading emerald ash borer to other healthy trees.
While these treatments can help you protect your trees, there are also financial benefits. According to Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association provided a cost analysis of treating trees versus removing them.
An average sized ash tree would be around $300 to treat with an injection. Removing the tree if it is infested can be six times as expensive!
The association also added that treating some trees in a population can benefit and even protect untreated trees from EAB.
If you suspect you have an emerald ash borer infestation or want to prevent it from invading your ash trees, call our professionals at Minnesota Landscapes. We can properly help you treat and control the insects. In addition, we can provide complete landscaping services, including installing a new patio, planting new trees and shrubs, improving your landscaping with a new design, and more! Call our team to set up a consultation today!
