The Emerald Ash Borer is an enemy to forests in half of the United States. First appearing in Canada and making its debut in this region in 2012, it has quickly spread – presumably through contaminated firewood, nursery trees and building materials brought in from other regions.
White Ash comprise roughly 3% of all trees in southern New England and are highly susceptible to several diseases. The borer, a species of beetle, could deal the final blow to the Ash species. The spread of “EAB” is so rapid and so wide that most experts agree that eradication is impossible. The only thing we can do is slow the spread.
If you have ash trees on your property, and suspect EAB infestation, you may be able to save your tree with a combination of fertilizer and a systemic pesticide. Talk to an arborist or forester if you see signs of infestation on your trees… before it’s too late.
Download the University of Connecticut EAB fact sheet and ID Guide
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