It’s hard to have a conversation about trees in Waterloo without someone bringing up the emerald ash borer. This little green insect has surprised everyone by spreading across Canada at an alarming rate, decimating forests as it goes. If you are concerned that the trees on your property may be susceptible, here are some emerald ash borer treatment safety measures you can take right now.
Why You Need Emerald Ash Borer Treatment Safety Measures
The emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) is a tiny green insect that mistakenly came to North America on a shipment of wood from East Asia. It is harmless to humans and animals, but deadly to all three species of ash native to the Waterloo region. It can also harm the ornamental white fringe tree. Millions of trees have died so far.
Adult ash borers eat the leaves of ash trees and lay eggs on the surface of the bark. However, it is the babies that do the real damage. Once the eggs hatch, larvae gnaw their way through the thin layer of living tissue just beneath the bark. Doing so harms the tree by cutting off the tree’s vascular tissue and preventing it from circulating food and water.
How To Tell If Your Trees Are at Risk
Because only 1% of ash trees survive once beetles colonize an area, every ash tree in Waterloo is at risk from emerald ash borers. For this reason, you should become familiar with the tree species on your property and hire a professional tree service to do regular checks of any ashes you have.
During the winter, increased woodpecker activity on a tree is a telltale sign that beetle larvae may be present. Starting in the upper canopy, look for areas of bark that birds have picked away. Here are some other signs that your ash trees are at risk:
- Small shoots that sprout from the trunk or main branches
- Discoloured leaves during the growing season
- Tiny holes in the bark shaped like a capital letter D
- Squiggly lines on the wood beneath the bark
- What You Can Do To Protect Your Trees
Some Ontario communities have responded to the crisis by cutting down infected trees along city streets. Ash tree removal in Waterloo is one option for severely damaged trees, but there are steps you can take to prevent insects from infesting your healthy trees in the first place.
Avoid bringing ash borers to your home by checking the grill of your car for them after travelling to places where they are common. You should also make it a rule only to purchase locally sourced firewood and not to transport it out of the area. If you intend to plant new trees, choose species other than ash. Diversifying the kinds of plants in your yard can help protect your vulnerable ash trees.
Martin’s Tree Service Provides Emerald Ash Borer Treatment Safety Measures
The Canadian government has accredited a certain pesticide to repel emerald ash borers. It is a form of neem oil that works when arborists inject it at the base of a tree once every two years. However, only qualified professionals are able to use it. When you request a quote, Martin’s Tree Service can advise you on whether this chemical might be a good option for the particular ash trees you have.
Martin’s Tree Service has closely monitored the infestation since the insects first arrived in Waterloo in 2014. Our staff is knowledgeable about all industry best practices related to invasive pests. If you are concerned about the health of your trees, contact us today by phone. We look forward to discussing emerald ash borer treatment safety measures with you.
Steve Martin
