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Emerald Ash Borer in Colorado – how you can protect your Ash trees

Emerald Ash Borer in Colorado
Ash tree lined street – Before & After Emerald Ash Borer Infestation

The Colorado Department of Agriculture has confirmed that the Emerald Ash Borer is here in the Colorado Front Range.

adult emerald ash borer Photo: Pennsylvania Dept. of Conservation and  Natural Resources - Forestry Archive • Bugwood.org
Adult Emerald Ash Borer
Photo: Pennsylvania Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources – Forestry Archive • Bugwood.org

Since its discovery near Detroit Michigan in 2002, the Ash Borer has killed over 50 million Ash trees in 21 states.  Colorado is the first western state it has appeared in and with an estimated 1.48 million Ash trees in the Denver metro area alone, we all need to pay attention and take action now in order to make a positive impact. We have a lot at stake, but are confident that we can save our trees! Send us an online estimate request, or call us at 303.232.0666 and one of our Arborists will come out to recommend a preventive plan to protect your Ash trees. 

winding s-shaped tunnels under bark Photo: Eric R. Day – Virginia Polytechnic Institute  and State University • Bugwood.org
Winding s-shaped Tunnels under bark
Photo: Eric R. Day – Virginia Polytechnic Institute
and State University • Bugwood.org

BACKGROUND
Emerald Ash Borer is a native of Asia, and is believed to have arrived to this country in wood crating material. It is also believed that its movement throughout the country can be in nursery stock and firewood.

sparse leaves in upper part of tree Photo: Daniel Herms, The Ohio State University Bugwood.org
Sparse leaves in upper part of tree
Photo: Daniel Herms, The Ohio State University
Bugwood.org

FACTS

  • The adult beetle is metallic green, about ½ inch long
  • Adults emerge mid-May to early June
  • Eggs are laid in the bark mid-July
  • After hatching, the larva tunnel under the bark, disrupting nutrient and water transport
  • Visible effects can take 1 to 3 years to become apparent 

SYMPTOMS

  • Sparse leaves in the upper part of the tree
  • New sprouts on lower trunk and branches – water shoots
  • Woodpecker activity
  • D-shaped exit holes
  • Vertical splits in the bark
  • Winding S-shaped tunnels under the bark

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Emerald Ash Borer in Colorado
D-shaped Exit Holes
Photo: Kenneth R. Law – USDA APHIS PPQ
Bugwood.org

The best strategy is PREVENTION!
Preventive treatments have a high success rate in saving Ash trees and are cost effective.

Our arborists are well versed in all the treatment options – trunk injections (TREE-äge® insecticide), soil treatments and sprays. Tree size, structure and condition along with the availability of water, will determine what treatment option will work the best. Thanks to all the previous research, which in many cases was too late to save the trees, we now have cost effective and very successful treatments to overcome this pest.

Arboject Emerald Ash Borer Control in ColoradoMountain High is very experienced in all treatment processes – for example we were a key partner with Arbor Jet and Vail Resorts in the testing of the trunk injection device used for Mountain Pine beetle control. This same device will also be used for control of Emerald Ash Borer.

We want to stress how important it is to be proactive. We know how destructive this insect is and we are ready to help you put an effective preventive plan in place.

Don’t wait. Contact us today to schedule a consultation:
Send us an online estimate request, or call us at 303.232.0666 and we’ll have one of our Arborists come out and recommend the best preventive plan for your trees.

Learn more about the Emerald Ash Borer here: www.emeraldashborer.info