Insects

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)

The Emerald Ash Borer insect is less than a half inch long but the immature phase of this insect, the borer, does a lot of damage by feeding on the vessels that transport nutrients up and down the tree cutting off its supply. The EAB beetle has several unique characteristics including bright metallic skin, 1/2 inch long, flattened back and a purple abdominal segments beneath it's wing covers. EAB is the most devastating threat to Connecticut forests and is the leading cause of death of our ash trees. Ash trees across the state are dying at an alarming rate, with little sign of the infestation slowing down.

How do I know if my Ash Tree has EAB?

Tree canopy has large dead areas and few leaves.
If you peel back the bark you can see the serpentine tunnels from the borers feeding on the tissue.
You may see holes in the bark caused by the adult borers leaving the tree and/or woodpeckers trying to find their next meal.
The tree(s) take on a flecked appearance and the trunk starts to look blond rather than brown.

What should I do if I suspect EAB?

Give us a call at 860-454-7866. Our certified arborist can examine your trees and look for early to late signs of infestation. This should always be done by a professional, as early signs often are missed because they appear high in the tree canopy.

Depending on the condition of your tree, we will be able to give you options. Doing nothing is never an option in this scenario. It's not a case of if the tree will be infected, but when.

Signs of ash blonding usually indicate that the tree is heavily infested and/or nearly dead. In that case, tree removal is the only option. Not only does it help stop the spread of of EAB to neighboring trees and properties but a tree that has died due to EAB infestation is not safe. Ash trees lose their structural integrity, leaving them prone to unexpected and at times, catastrophic failure.

With our experience, skills and specialized equipment we will be able to help you no matter what condition your trees are in.