Emerald Ash Borer, in Lac-Brôme

Have you heard of the emerald ash borer? It is a beautiful metallic green beetle that is particularly attracted to ash trees, hence its name. It is barely half an inch long, yet it can wreak havoc! The larva works by boring serpentine galleries into the trees. The insect attacks the leaves.

This insect is native to Asia. The emerald ash borer arrived in North America in 2002. It was inside ash wood that allowed it to cross the ocean to here, and likewise, inland and in Quebec. Wooden crates and pallets, firewood... that's where it's at, as long as it's ash. Here's what's up with this pest...

Results for ash ​

It takes about five years for the devastation of an infested ash tree to be complete. This depends on the size of the specimen. The galleries dug by the larvae eventually prevent the free flow of sap, which prevents the plant from feeding.
 
The effects remain invisible for a long time. The first signs are yellowing or balding of leaves; then they get worse. The bark peels off, shoots invade the trunk, samaras abound due to the stress. A distinctive feature is that the damage starts at the top and works its way down to the ground. A half-infected tree may still need to be felled. Nothing can stop the race to its death. 

However, felling must be done outside of the propagation period, which is from mid-March to about mid-September. Our company specializing in tree care services is able to assist you even before the first signs are visible on your ash trees.

Know how to identify the presence of the emerald ash borer   ​

The larvae can act for a long time inside before external signs appear. Performations in the trunk can then be seen. Some of them are about 4 mm long and have the shape of a capital D. These are the exit holes of the insects, because their back is bulging and their abdomen is flat. They can also be woodpecker holes. Or bark removed, especially by squirrels. Leaves are nibbled, sap flows...  
 
Whatever the signs, it is essential to be able to distinguish them from those caused by weather, animals, other insects or diseases. Our professionals have the knowledge to do this.
 
If you want to have a chance to save your ash trees, ask our experts at Emondage Lac-Brome to visit you and suggest an appropriate intervention. Just call us at 579-589-5474. 

Recognizing the Emerald Ash Borer early   ​

The key, as we cannot say enough, is to intervene early. There is a simple protocol to perform. It is practiced when the larva is mature, i.e. large enough to be easier to see. A branch is chosen. It must present specific criteria. Then its bark is removed. Of course, you could easily do this yourself. But our specialists are able to interpret what they see. Another point: if your tree has to be cut down, it is recommended that you have it stumped. We also provide this service. So, get in touch with us, Emondage Lac-Brome, by calling 579-589-5474. ​

Preventing rather than curing  

The best prevention would obviously be not to plant ash trees. But this action may have been taken before the EAB arrived or before you learned of the devastation this bug is capable of. Planting other tree species can help the resilience of your specimens.
 
Even if there are no ash trees on your property, you are still at risk if you heat with wood. The risk-reducing precaution is to choose a local supplier.
 
In fact, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency is enforcing regulations regarding the transportation of ash wood from infested to non-infested areas. The regulations specify the conditions that must be met in this case.
 
Any ash product being transported is also affected. First of all, there are the trees themselves, bark or raw wood. But also chips, logs, packaging materials, pallets, crates... And finally, the vehicles used for transport are also affected by the regulation.

Detection of diseases and invaders

Of course, the emerald ash borer is not the only insect that can infest your trees, ash trees or other species. Diseases can also affect them. Emondage Lac-Brome has the know-how to recommend the appropriate intervention. To take advantage of this service, simply fill out our form on this page or call us at 579-589-5474. ​Cedar hedge trimming and training

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