Emerald Ash Borer

As many Lincolnshire residents are already aware, the Emerald Ash Borer, a destructive insect pest from Asia, has been discovered in three suburban towns in Illinois.

The Emerald Ash Borer, (a.k.a. EAB), first became known in the United States in the summer of 2002, when the insect was found to be responsible for killing of Ash trees in Michigan. Since its initial discovery five years ago, more than 16 million Ash trees have been removed in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana as a result of EAB infestations.

The borer is very difficult to detect in newly infested trees because the symptoms are mild and often occur in the upper portions of the tree. Typical signs of EAB infestation include the presence of a small metallic green beetle (shaped like a speedboat), small “D-shaped” holes in Ash tree bark, and dieback in the crown of the tree.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture is hard at work, trying to develop a plan that will stop the spread of the EAB. However, since the Emerald Ash Borer has thus far proven difficult to contain, Village residents are asked to be diligent and proactive in preparing for an Emerald Ash Borer infestation in Lincolnshire. Be on the lookout for signs of EAB, and contact the Village Forester if you notice any dying Ash trees.

Preventative treatment options to protect trees from Emerald Ash Borer are now available at garden centers and through tree care companies. The most common active ingredient in products sold to protect against EAB is Imidacloprid (commonly referred to as Merit). Products containing Imidacloprid have been used for many years to control a variety of insects.

While some of these products may successfully fend off Emerald Ash Borer, it is important for Lincolnshire residents to know that treatments are only good for one growing season. This means that once you start treating a tree, you will have to continue treatments annually for the rest of the tree’s life. Such a treatment regiment can get quite costly, and therefore is only recommended for the largest, healthiest, and most valuable Ash trees.

Village residents should be wary of salesmen recommending treatment for Ash trees that are anything less than healthy and irreplaceable. If you are considering treating your Ash trees to prevent EAB infestation, or you simply have tree related questions, please contact Chris Fisher at 847.913.2365.