The Emerald Ash Borer is an insect that was imported from Asia in the 1990s. It was first detected in Windsor, Ontario, in 2002. Since then, it has cost property owners and governments hundreds of millions of dollars in tree removal and treatment options.
As its name indicates, the emerald ash borer infests ash trees, killing them within three (3) to six (6) years after infestation. An ash tree infested with the emerald ash borer will start to die from the top down. Leaves will stop budding towards the top of the tree and bud less and less each year until the tree dies. The tree may sprout dense new growth on the trunk near the ground as the top declines. Once severely infested, there is no cure or treatment for the tree.
Although regulations were put in place to try and prevent the spread of the insect when it was discovered, because it has no natural enemies and a readily available habitat, it has spread throughout southern and central Ontario and into Quebec. In 2014, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency consolidated all EAB regulated areas within Ontario and Quebec into one area as presented here.
Emerald Ash Borer Prevention
The emerald ash borer in Ontario has created a bleak future for our ash trees. The best emerald ash borer prevention is not to move firewood over long distances, particularly across provincial or municipal borders. This can help to contain the insect.
If you have ash trees on your property, they can also be treated with injections that make the tree immune to infestation. There are both chemical and natural injections available. For this emerald ash borer prevention method to work, trees must be injected before they are infested. Once the tree is exhibiting clear signs of infestation, the injections are much less likely to be effective as enough damage may have already be done.
Emerald Ash Borer Treatment
These injections are the best method for prevention and early treatment of an emerald ash borer infestation. Once a tree is infested and showing symptoms, there are no emerald ash borer treatments available. The ash tree will likely have to be removed before it dies and poses a risk to those on your property.
Is Your Ash Tree Dying?
If you’ve noticed your ash tree is not budding completely and missing leaves beginning at the top of the tree, you may have an emerald ash borer infestation. P & A can provide suggestions about the course of action to take if your ash trees are infested with emerald ash borer in Ontario.