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Homeowners in the Waterloo Region need to be alerted about the recent surge in local numbers of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), a dangerous parasite that attacks ash trees with the potentially deadly outcome. In fact, those vicious insects are so invasive they can wipe out entire populations of ash trees if the spread isn't controlled. Since the danger to this part of Canada has grown to the crises level, it’s about time to increase awareness about this fast-spawning pest. Martin’s Tree Service can provide you with a trove of credible information about EAB, and advice you how to get rid of it in case it attacks your ash trees.Here is a short overview of the main biological traits of emerald ash borer, along with an explanation why it represents such a grave danger for trees in this part of Ontario.

What is Emerald Ash Borer?

The scientific name of this strange insect is Agrilus Planipennis, and it originates from northeast Asia. It was first discovered in the 1860’s in China but has only recently appeared in the forests across North American continent. The insects are less than 10mm long and easily distinguished by their metallic green colour. They are most active in the late spring which is the time when they mate. The Emerald Ash Borer feeds on ash trees and bores holes inside their trunks, eventually destroying enough tissue to kill the tree. The species can spread up to 80 km per year by flying, infesting additional forests as it moves into a new area. As the hordes of insects dig galleries inside the tree, the host is soon killed and left behind as a scary reminder how fragile our ecosystems really are.

How Common is Emerald Ash Borer in Waterloo Region?

Until the early 2000’s, this insect species was virtually unknown in Ontario but this is rapidly changing as EAB is rampaging all across North America. It appears the species had been introduced in this region by accident, but in the absence of natural predators it soon became common and is now difficult to remove. It had been sighted in Waterloo with increasing frequency over the past several years and the parasite seems to become even more persistent every season. At Martin’s Tree Service, we already encountered a large number of trees in the local area that were completely destroyed by EAB and had to be cut down. The danger is so serious that all ash trees in the area could be destroyed within 5 to 10 years unless there is an active response to the problem of EAB infestation.

What to do About the Emerald Ash Borer?

While the government is seeking long-term answers to the invasion of those pesky bugs, the damage is getting more and more extensive. Systemic insecticides like Treeazin can be effective as a protection for individual trees located in urban environments, as they are logged into the tree and provide long-term protection. This insecticide is applied by a direct injection into the tree, which can only be done by a carefully trained professional. This treatment has to be repeated every two years for as long as there is a risk of infection, since short-term fixes have no chance of success. It is critical to start the treatment in time. Consult with Martin’s Tree Service immediately if you have the slightest doubt that ash trees on your property could be affected by EAB. If we apply injections right away, we just might be able to save your beautiful trees from continued decay and death.

WE TREAT EMERALD ASH BORER WITH