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What Coloradans Need To Know About Emerald Ash Borer

eab_larva_small
Emerald ash borer larva
Colorado State Forest Service

Here is a good article from KUNC.org about how Coloradans can help prevent the spread of the devastating Emerald Ash Borer, here’s an excerpt:

As spring weather gets warmer and plants start to bloom, it’s also the time for insects living within Colorado trees to awaken and emerge. One of these in particular, the invasive, tree-killing emerald ash borer is especially concerning to foresters since the insect’s target – the ash tree – is widespread along the Front Range.

Emerald Ash Borer in Denver
Click here to view a larger diagram and more info on whether or not you should protect your Ash Tree from the Emerald Ash Borer

Because the pest can go virtually undetected for the first few years of an infestation, forest authorities want the public’s help in containing the spread.

The first step to creating a plan is to identify ash trees. Next, evaluate the tree’s condition for signs of EAB infestation:

Does it have dead branches, fading foliage, thinning around the crown, or issues around pruning wounds?

Are there serpentine tunnels made by larvae under the bark, or D-shaped exit holes?

Are there new green sprouts on lower branches or lower trunk, or vertical splits in the bark?
Free Emerald Ash Borer InspectionAny increased woodpecker activity?

Should you protect your Ash Tree?

Read the rest of the article here »

Read more about the Emerald Ash Borer »