Protecting Your Reading Area Ash Trees: Your Complete Guide to Identifying and Preventing Emerald Ash Borer Damage
The emerald ash borer (EAB) has become one of the most destructive forest pests in North America, and unfortunately, it can be found in nearly every county of Pennsylvania, including the Reading area, where it was first discovered in western Pennsylvania during 2007. This invasive beetle poses a serious threat to the millions of ash trees throughout Pennsylvania, making early identification and prevention crucial for homeowners who want to protect their valuable trees.
Understanding the Emerald Ash Borer Threat
The emerald ash borer is a half-inch long metallic green beetle originally from Asia, and its larval stage feeds exclusively on ash trees under the bark, killing them three to five years after infestation. Heavy infestations can kill trees in as little as three years, making EAB the “most destructive exotic forest pest in North America” with the ability to “destroy the entire ash genus”.
All native North American ash species, ash cultivars, and the white fringetree are susceptible to emerald ash borer, including the white ash, green ash, black ash, and blue ash commonly found in the Reading area.
Key Signs of Emerald Ash Borer Infestation
Early detection is critical for successful treatment. Here are the most important warning signs to watch for on your ash trees:
D-Shaped Exit Holes
As adult emerald ash borers emerge from ash trees in June and July, they leave behind distinct D-shaped exit holes that are approximately 1/8″ wide and can be oriented in any direction. These D-shaped holes are a strong indicator of EAB. One notable sign that it is, in fact, EAB feeding on an ash tree is the D-shaped hole that these pests leave as they exit the bark as an adult.
Woodpecker Damage
Jagged holes made by woodpeckers searching for larvae may be one of the first signs of the EAB, as trees infested with EAB are often sought out and attacked by woodpeckers. Woodpeckers pick away at the outer bark of infested trees in search of nutritious larvae beneath the bark. This “flecking” usually begins higher in the tree where EAB tends to attack first, and once a tree becomes heavily infested, flecking may be seen all the way down its trunk and branches.
Serpentine Galleries
Trees attacked by EAB have distinct S-shaped or “serpentine” galleries (tunnels) beneath the bark. These tunnels are approximately 1/8 inch wide and are packed with frass (a fine mixture of sawdust and insect excrement). A surefire sign of an infestation is the presence of the galleries in the sapwood under the bark.
Crown Dieback and Epicormic Sprouting
Crown dieback is the most visible symptom of EAB infestation. Unfortunately, dieback typically does not occur until 2–5 years after the tree was initially attacked. Dieback is from the tree’s diminishing ability to transport water and nutrients throughout its vascular system, as a result of extensive larval feeding. Symptoms include crown die-back and epicormic sprouting (growth that emerges from dormant buds along the trunk and branches).
Prevention and Treatment Options
The good news is that emerald ash borer damage can be prevented with proper treatment, but timing is crucial. Insecticide applications should begin before your ash tree is attacked by emerald ash borer. Only ash trees that are healthy and are of value to the homeowner should be considered for treatment.
Professional Treatment Methods
University research indicates that soil drenches or injections of imidacloprid provide excellent EAB protection for small ash trees (less than six inches diameter at breast height) in the first year following treatment. Larger trees may require two consecutive years of treatment before they are effectively protected. Thus, treatment of large trees should begin before the trees become infested.
Emerald ash borer insecticides move systemically in plants and are typically applied as either soil drenches, trunk sprays or direct injections into the trunk, depending on product. Insecticides can prevent new injuries by emerald ash borer and if damage to the tree caused by the insect is not too advanced, trees can recover when insecticides are used.
Research suggests that insecticide treatments are significantly more effective on EAB-infested ash trees with less than 50% canopy thinning, making early intervention essential.
Treatment Timing
While spring and/or fall applications are allowed on certain product labels, recent university research has indicated that spring applications have been more effective at controlling EAB and protecting canopy health. An optimum time for applying most emerald ash borer insecticides is shortly after leaves have emerged in spring.
When to Call Professional Tree Services
Given the complexity of EAB identification and treatment, it’s essential to work with experienced professionals. Some insecticides are marketed for use by homeowners, while the most effective option is intended for use only by certified pesticide applicators due to the use of a Restricted Use Pesticide.
If you suspect emerald ash borer activity on your Reading area property, contact a qualified tree company in Reading, PA immediately. Ground Care Solutions LLC provides reliable tree care services across Berks County, PA, specializing in tree removal, tree trimming, stump grinding, and more. They are locally owned and operated, understanding the unique tree care needs of Berks County residents, with over 10 years of experience in tree care.
The Cost of Inaction
The decline of an infected ash tree can be rapid (1-4 years) and EAB appears to kill nearly all native ash trees. The Emerald Ash Borer will very likely kill all of the ash trees in Pennsylvania. It will be safer and cheaper for landowners to treat ash trees or remove them before they become hazardous.
As the EAB larvae feed on the vascular system of a tree and begin to inhibit it from getting nutrients, the window for treatment begins to close. In fact, once you see a lot of die-back, it’s going to be a lot more difficult to control. If your tree is caught with only minimal damage, there’s still a chance control can be achieved, but if there is a quarter or more Emerald Ash Borer damage to the tree, chances are, it’s too far gone to help.
Take Action Now
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Ground Care Solutions LLC is fully licensed and insured, committed to providing peace of mind throughout the entire process. Serving Reading, PA, and the entire Berks County, they are committed to providing top-notch tree care.
Early detection and prevention are your best defenses against emerald ash borer damage. Regular inspection of your ash trees, combined with professional treatment when necessary, can save both your trees and your property value. Their team of certified arborists specializes in tree trimming, tree removal, and stump grinding, using state-of-the-art equipment and following industry best practices to ensure your trees receive the best care possible.
Remember, emerald ash borer doesn’t discriminate – it attacks both healthy and stressed ash trees with equal vigor. The time to act is now, before the damage becomes irreversible. Contact a professional tree service today to assess your ash trees and develop a protection plan that’s right for your Reading area property.