What You Need to Know About EAB in Denver – Advice From Splintered Forest Tree Services

September 7, 2016

markings from emerald ash borer showing trails of destruction under the Ash Tree Bark

Emerald ash borer, or EAB as it is commonly referred to, is an emerald green beetle that feeds on ash species of trees. What do you need to about EAB? Will this pesky little beetle harm your trees? Here’s everything you should know about EAB straight from the Denver tree service experts at Splintered Forest:

What kind of damage can EAB cause?

The adult beetles will simply nibble on the bark of your ash trees, so it’s possible that you may not notice any damage. However, the larvae can cause serious damage. EAB larvae feed off of the inner bark of the tree, which prevents the tree from being able to transport water and nutrients to other areas.

Over time, the area above the infested part of the tree will begin to thin out and die. It is estimated that one-third to one-half of a tree infested with EAB will be dead within one year, so it’s important that homeowners act quickly by contacting Denver tree services in Denver as soon as possible. Get your FAQs about EAB answered here.

How can you spot EAB?

There are a number of symptoms of EAB that homeowners should be aware of in order to protect their trees. First, look for vertical splitting in the bark. This occurs when the EAB larvae begin to destroy the interior of the tree, and often, you may be able to see the larvae beneath the split.

Look for woodpeckers as well. Woodpeckers feed on EAB larvae, and when there are a lot of larvae for the woodpeckers to eat, the birds can strip pieces of bark off of the tree to get to them. This will usually occur on the higher portions of the tree, so don’t forget to look up when checking for signs of damage.

You may also notice the crown of your tree dying, which occurs after larvae have been feeding on the inner tree for long periods of time. Or, your tree could also be sprouting new growths at the base of the tree, according to our professionals.

Homeowners may see the bugs themselves, but if not, look for tiny, D-shaped emergence holes, which is how adult EABs exit the bark. The outer bark will usually hide signs of larvae, but if you strip back the outer layer of bark and see a s-shaped pattern beneath it, this is a sign the larvae are feeding inside your tree.

How can you prevent EAB?

Consult with your local tree experts to determine whether your tree is healthy enough for EAB pesticides and prevention. Some of the most effective treatments are injected into the tree each year for continuous protection. Treatments are only recommended if you currently live within 15 miles of a known EAB infestation, so not every homeowner will need it.

Splintered Forest is a leading fire mitigation and tree services business serving the mountain communities and committed to delivering the best service in the industry. Brad Huddleston, the owner, has been in the business for 13 years and started operating as Splintered Forest in 2004. The crew has grown to include ISA Certified Arborists, experienced tree climbers and expert tree fellers. Contact us today to schedule your free, no obligation estimate.

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