EMERALD ASH BORER

Emerald Ash Borer

A number of diseases threaten our precious canopies in southeastern Wisconsin. Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a real threat to our local trees. Ash trees are widely prevalent in Wisconsin; it common to see them lining many country fields and yards in our area. Tragically, there is an invasive threat lurking underneath the bark of these majestic trees, and we have seen the impact of the shiny, green Emerald Ash Borer beetle as it has migrated from Milwaukee to Rock County. The effects of this insect are catastrophic: after initial infestation of an area and without proper control measures, the disease is fatal to our native North American ash trees, which have little natural resistance to the pest.

When seeking to preserve ash trees on your property, our arborists recommend treating any evidence of EAB as soon as possible. Often the first indication is crown dieback: the tree will show dead branches throughout the canopy, beginning at the top. Woodpeckers will also be prevalent around the ash tree, as they eat the EAB larvae. 

There are a variety of treatments available to those who believe they have EAB-infected ash trees. Given proper attention, property owners can have hope for saving ash trees; however, scientists have shown that if more than 50% of the canopy has been killed by EAB, it is probably too late to save the tree. Timing is very important in treating EAB for pollinators and effectiveness alike.

Please contact our arborists for a proper analysis of your ash trees. If your trees are viable, we will recommend at trust plant health care specialist for treatment. If any of your trees are candidates for removal, we can make appropriate arrangements.

We encourage home owners to be proactive when it comes to their tree canopy by treating ashes when possible, removing trees when recovery is not possible, and always replanting after ash tree removal with a wide variety of native trees.