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* (08/30/2012) New information in the "Articles" section at the bottom of this page!
The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) emerges as an adult beetle during May. This beetle is bright shiny green, can fit on a penny and has caused the death of 20-25 million ash trees.
The EAB lays eggs in the summer on the trunk and branches of ash trees. The larvae emerge and bore into the ash trees where they then will feed. This last action is what kills the tree.
How you can help
1. Identify your ash trees
Most trees have alternate branching. Opposite branching trees
have branches, leaves and buds directly across from each other.
This is one leaf with seven (7) leaflets.
2. Identify the Emerald Ash Borer
The native range of Emerald Ash Borer is eastern Russia, northern China, Japan and Korea.
EAB was first identified in southeast Michigan in 2002. It likely arrived several years earlier from Asia in solid wood packing materials. As of today it has been found in 15 states and two (2) Canadian provinces.
The EAB lays eggs in the summer on the trunk and branches of ash trees. The larvae emerge and bore into the ash trees where they feed cutting off the flow of water and nutrients. This last action is what kills the tree. All ash species, cultivars and varieties are susceptible. Infested trees die over a 2-4 year period.
What does Emerald Ash Borer look like?
The adult beetle is metallic green, bullet-shaped and ½ inch long. The underside of the beetle is bright emerald green. The body is long and narrow while the head is flat. The eyes are kidney-shaped and black. The larvae are white, flat with bell shaped segments and have pincher-like appendages at the end of their abdomen. Mature larvae reach 1 1/2 inches in length and all larvae are found feeding beneath the bark.
3. Identify the Signs and Symptoms
a. Crown dieback: Dieback of the upper and outer crown. Trees begin to show dead branches throughout the canopy, beginning at the top. Foliage in the top of the tree is thin and discolored.
b. Sprouting: Sprouting at the base and/or on the main stem of the tree. Trees may sucker excessively both at the base of the tree and on the trunk, often just below where the larvae are feeding.
c. Vertical Splits: Splits in the bark are caused due to callus tissue that develops around larval galleries. Larval galleries can often be seen beneath the splits.
d. Larval Galleries: EAB larvae wind back and forth as they feed under the bark of an infected tree. This feeding pattern creates s-shaped larval galleries packed with sawdust.
e. D-shaped Emergence Holes: Adult EAB emerge from under the bark and create a D-shaped hole measuring about ⅛ inch in diameter.
f. Woodpeckers: Woodpeckers feed on larvae located under the bark. Feeding is typically evident higher in the tree where the EAB prefers to attack first. Listen for woodpeckers and look for strips of bark have been pulled off of the tree.
4. If you need help identifying your tree or symptoms, please call Village staff at 847-784-3555 or e-mail Linnea O’Neill at loneill@northfieldil.org
5. Any tree company or arborist that may work on your ash tree or haul the ash tree debris is required to sign an IDOA Letter of Compliance. This assures that the tree company knows the correct way to dispose of the wood. Approved tree companies are listed on the www.illinoiseab.com website. Click on Quarantine/Compliance on the left hand side.
6. Do not move any firewood from other states or to other states. A Federal Quarantine for the State of Illinois prohibits the movement of firewood.
Emerald Ash Borer Update
During the spring, summer and fall of 2010, Village staff saw an increase from four to forty EAB locations. Symptoms of EAB were noticed everywhere in the Village except for the north side. Staff continued to monitor the ash parkway trees and assist residents with their concerns and questions regarding EAB.
At a fall 2010 Village Board Committee of the Whole Meeting, resident Mike Sawyer discussed the EAB threat to our community. In turn the Board recommended a committee come together to keep residents informed of EAB updates and possible treatment options. The committee will consist of Mike Sawyer, Trustee Joan Frazier, Village staff and possibly representatives form the garden clubs. If you are interested in being part of this committee, please contact Linnea O’Neill
What You Can Do to Prevent EAB Infestation
Do Not Transport Firewood - Ash makes excellent firewood, it is easy to split and burns hot. But, Emerald Ash Borer can easily be transported in ash logs. Make sure to purchase firewood locally from a known source and be sure to use all of the firewood in the cold months so that no hidden Emerald Ash Borer larvae or adults can survive on logs left through the spring. Most campgrounds in the north central United States do not allow visitors to bring in firewood, particularly ash firewood that originated in infested states or areas. It’s best to avoid transporting ash firewood off your property altogether.
Monitor the Health of Your Ash Trees - Look for dead and dying branches at the top of the tree's crown. If you suspect a parkway ash exhibits EAB symptoms, call Linnea O’Neill at 1-847-784-3555.
Hire a Certified Arborist - when choosing an arborist ask for proof of insurance and references, get all bids in writing as well as dates when work will start and be completed, ask whether cleanup is included, and get signed, detailed contracts. Ash with 60% dieback
Stay Informed – visit the following websites for updated information:
For free webinars regarding all aspects of EAB, go to www.emeraldashborer.info click Publications/Resources on the left side to get to the EAB University Webinars.
Treatment Options for Ash Trees
The Emerald Ash Borer is in Northfield, but before using insecticides to control it consider the following:
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It could be more cost effective to remove the ash and replace with a better quality tree.
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Do not treat trees showing more than 50% canopy decline. Remove and replace.
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EAB will remain a constant threat; protective insecticides will have to be applied consistently for the rest of the life of the tree.
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Homeowners wishing to protect trees larger than 15” DBH should consider having their trees professionally treated.
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Homeowner applied insecticides come with environmental risks including toxicity to aquatic life, leaching into groundwater while run-off and drift can pose threats to children, pets, flowering plants and bees. Caution and exact measuring are extremely important.
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TREE-AGE (Emamectin benzoate) is a highly effective trunk injected insecticide that can only be applied by a licensed or certified pesticide applicator. Treatment is required every two to three years and the chemical is immobile in the environment. TREE-AGE is the only product tested to date that controls EAB for more than one year with a single application and it has provided a higher level of control than other products in side-by-side studies.
How to Hire a Tree Care Company
Ask the following questions to make sure you are hiring a quality, knowledgeable and safe company:
1: Does the company have Workman’s Compensation and personal and property damage insurance? Ask to see current certificates of insurance.
2: Does your company employ certified arborists?
3: Can you provide references in the area? Will the company be removing all the limbs, debris and stump?
4: Are they certified and registered to remove ash? Always get more than one estimate. You can always call the Village at 847-784-3555 to get further information regarding tree care companies in your area.
List Of Local Companies With Certified Arborists On Staff:
Arborsmith |
847-634-7734 |
Autumn Tree Care Experts |
847-729-1963 |
Bartlett Tree Expert |
847-559-9424 |
Davey Tree Expert |
847-537-4340 |
Glenwood Tree Expert |
847-459-0200 |
Mcginty Bros. |
847-438-5161 |
Nels j. Johnson Tree Experts |
847-382-2777 |
Sunrise Tree Care |
847-256-8733 |
The Care Of Trees |
847-394-3903 |
DISCLAIMER: Please note that this list is not exhaustive and the Village is not endorsing any one company. This is simply provided as a convenience to our residents.
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