best prevention against ash borer - Ask Extension
I've been treating my ash trees preventatively for about 1- years using a soil injection treatment from Lawn Doctor. With the increasing spread of t...
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best prevention against ash borer #859431
Asked February 19, 2024, 3:21 PM EST
I've been treating my ash trees preventatively for about 1- years using a soil injection treatment from Lawn Doctor. With the increasing spread of this disease I am wondering if there might me a better technique. Also how would I be able to tell if there is some borer damage.
Thank you so much for your help
Diane Willmann
Arapahoe County Colorado
Expert Response
Diane,
Thank you for your question to Ask Extension regarding Emerald Ash Borer.
You do not say where in Arapahoe County you reside but EAB has been identified in trees in the Littleton area, near Littleton High School. As of this moment it has not been identified in other parts of Arapahoe County. It very well could be spreading to other parts of the county.
You have hired a company to do a soil treatment but did not say what the chemical or product that is being used. Imidacloprid a chemical that is used as a soil drench. Imidacloprid is good for only one season and will need to be repeated seasonly. There are other insecticides that can be used for trunk sprays and injections. All of these can be effective and are good options. There are some guidelines for using these products and you may need to contact a tree professional apply the insecticides. CSU has a great fact sheet listing the insecticides available for use for EAB with information on when and how these insecticides should be used:
https://webdoc.agsci.colostate.edu/bspm/InsectInformation/FactSheets/Emerald_Ash_Insecticide.pdf
EAB damage usually begins at the top of the tree, and this may result in a thinning of the leaf canopy, as smaller leaves are
produced. Trees are damaged when the immature stage of the insect develops in the living tissues (cambium) present just under the bark. The tunneling by the insect reduces the ability of the tree to move water and nutrients, producing a progressive weakening of the plant. The tree can be dead within 2 years. As the adults emerge you will see an exit hole that looks like a D positioned horizontally on its side. We have another wood boring insect, Lilac-Ash Borer, that can also attack ash trees, rarely killing the tree. The exit holes are round but are often mistaken for EAB exit holes. If you suspect your tree has EAB you should contact a tree professional to make an site evaluation. You can also call the Arapahoe County Extension office,<personal data hidden> to speak to a member of our horticulture staff.
I hope this information will give you a better understanding of Emerald Ash Borer and treatment options available. If you have any further questions you may reply to this email. Additionally, would you please send your zip code in a reply so we know what part of Arapahoe County you live in. Thank you.
Thank you for your question to Ask Extension regarding Emerald Ash Borer.
You do not say where in Arapahoe County you reside but EAB has been identified in trees in the Littleton area, near Littleton High School. As of this moment it has not been identified in other parts of Arapahoe County. It very well could be spreading to other parts of the county.
You have hired a company to do a soil treatment but did not say what the chemical or product that is being used. Imidacloprid a chemical that is used as a soil drench. Imidacloprid is good for only one season and will need to be repeated seasonly. There are other insecticides that can be used for trunk sprays and injections. All of these can be effective and are good options. There are some guidelines for using these products and you may need to contact a tree professional apply the insecticides. CSU has a great fact sheet listing the insecticides available for use for EAB with information on when and how these insecticides should be used:
https://webdoc.agsci.colostate.edu/bspm/InsectInformation/FactSheets/Emerald_Ash_Insecticide.pdf
EAB damage usually begins at the top of the tree, and this may result in a thinning of the leaf canopy, as smaller leaves are
produced. Trees are damaged when the immature stage of the insect develops in the living tissues (cambium) present just under the bark. The tunneling by the insect reduces the ability of the tree to move water and nutrients, producing a progressive weakening of the plant. The tree can be dead within 2 years. As the adults emerge you will see an exit hole that looks like a D positioned horizontally on its side. We have another wood boring insect, Lilac-Ash Borer, that can also attack ash trees, rarely killing the tree. The exit holes are round but are often mistaken for EAB exit holes. If you suspect your tree has EAB you should contact a tree professional to make an site evaluation. You can also call the Arapahoe County Extension office,<personal data hidden> to speak to a member of our horticulture staff.
I hope this information will give you a better understanding of Emerald Ash Borer and treatment options available. If you have any further questions you may reply to this email. Additionally, would you please send your zip code in a reply so we know what part of Arapahoe County you live in. Thank you.
