Ash trees - Ask Extension
I’ve hopefully included photos below. I have a couple ash trees that appear to be losing their bark. Like somebody is shaving it off. It’s piled a...
Knowledgebase
Ash trees #889669
Asked November 11, 2024, 2:59 PM EST
I’ve hopefully included photos below. I have a couple ash trees that appear to be losing their bark. Like somebody is shaving it off. It’s piled at the base of the tree. I’m hoping it is not the ash borer bug. What is it?
Menominee County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi Chris,
Unfortunately, when I enlarge these images, I can see 'D' shaped exit holes in the bark? That is a sure sign of emerald ash borer, or EAB.
The bark has likely been pecked off by a woodpecker, looking to expose the larval insects under the bark.
https://www.emeraldashborer.info/documents/E-2938.pdf
The website at the link below has a plethora of information about EAB.
https://www.emeraldashborer.info/
You may also choose to enlist the help of the local service forester, Josh Isaac, who can be reached through the Menominee Conservation District (he also serves Delta County). Josh is an excellent resource and should be available to come out to do a site visit to confirm the presence or absence of EAB and help you with next steps.
Josh Isaac
<personal data hidden>x180
Thank you,
-Julie
Unfortunately, when I enlarge these images, I can see 'D' shaped exit holes in the bark? That is a sure sign of emerald ash borer, or EAB.
The bark has likely been pecked off by a woodpecker, looking to expose the larval insects under the bark.
https://www.emeraldashborer.info/documents/E-2938.pdf
The website at the link below has a plethora of information about EAB.
https://www.emeraldashborer.info/
You may also choose to enlist the help of the local service forester, Josh Isaac, who can be reached through the Menominee Conservation District (he also serves Delta County). Josh is an excellent resource and should be available to come out to do a site visit to confirm the presence or absence of EAB and help you with next steps.
Josh Isaac
<personal data hidden>x180
Thank you,
-Julie
Thank you. I will call Josh.
