Coalition for Urban Ash Tree Conservation Written 1/6/2011 | It is most ideal to have trees treated early spring, as most damage occurs from the feeding Ash borers late Spring, Summer and Fall. However, treatment can be administered at just about anytime during the year, except in the coldest parts of the winter. |
Typically in the months of May & June, the adult EAB fly and spread to Ash trees in the area, mate and lay 70 – 90 eggs each. The eggs hatch within a week and 70 – 90 tiny Emerald Ash Borer larvae bore their way through the bark into and begin feeding on the living vascular tissues of the tree. | |
On average, the immediate cost for removal is 650% more than treatment. Typically any tree with less than 30% canopy dieback is worth treating/saving. If a trees' canopy has died back more than 30% it becomes questionable as to whether treatment will be effective to bring the tree back to health. | The initial indication signs are microscopic and by the time the signs become clear that your trees are infested, usually the borers have already caused detrimental damage to your tree. So the universal suggestion: Treat every tree that you want to remain healthy and alive,and remove all of the ones that you do not. |
This epidemic is being compared to the Dutch Elm disease of the past, however we are smarter, more aware, and more capable of containing and limiting the damage caused through intentional treatment and removal of Ash trees. By taking action now, we will have much less of a problem later | May/June Adults bore out of tree, mate, lay 70 – 90 eggs, and Die; Eggs hatch in 1 week, Larvae bore into the living tissues of the tree where they feed up until Winter by chewing s-shaped tunnels beneath the bark. Dormant through the winter. |