Invasive Pests

Winter 2020

The science of preserving nature since 1964

Emerald Ash Borer Update

There are hundreds of invasive pests that can cause significant damage to our trees. Infestations can seriously impact a host tree species and have cascading impacts on other associated plants and animals in the environment. At the current time, Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is causing more damage and devastation than any other pest in our region. This very invasive insect has been found in most of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut now. It’s only a matter of time before all regions are affected. Millions of ash trees have already succumbed to EAB and millions more are expected to be infected very soon. For property owners, there's the additional concern of tree failure from EAB on targets within striking zone as they become brittle. Almstead strongly suggests that everyone with ash trees in our region stays vigilant and informed about EAB.

Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis) is a small, metallic-green insect that is about half inch long. It infests and kills native North American ash species, including green, white, black and blue ash. The female beetle lays its eggs in cracks or crevices in the bark of the tree. Upon hatching, the EAB larvae feeds on the layer under it — which causes disruption of life-sustaining sugar, water and nutrients through the tree. Most trees die within 2-4 years of being infected with EAB. Signs of EAB include the presence of the small, metallic green insect or tiny D-shaped holes, S-shaped galleries and splitting bark (see images on right).

"Blonding" EffectAlso look for Woodpecker damage since they seek out EAB and attack them, which causes a "blonding" effect (see image) especially on the southern side of the tree.

If you have ash trees on your property, we recommend discussing a management plan with your Almstead arborist. A health assessment of the ash trees in question as well as its overall contribution to the landscape and a cost analysis should be evaluated prior to treatment. Tree injections have been found to be successful in inoculating and treating ash trees against EAB. However, once a tree has been heavily infected, removal may be the only option. If you decide to remove your ash trees, winter is a good time to do it. If you choose to treat or inoculate your trees, it is better to wait until Spring. Either way, schedule a visit with your arborist as soon as possible. Please visit our dedicated EAB portal www.almstead.com/eab for more information.

Slide Show: EAB Treatments by Almstead at Liberty State Park

Since 2016, Almstead has partnered with Arborjet to donate treatment for ash trees in the Grove Of Rememberance at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, NJ in preservation efforts against Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). Almstead has donated the time and expertise of our technicians and arborists, while Arborjet has donated their cutting-edge EAB treatment and equipment.

Almstead is currently also treating the rest of ash trees at the park. EAB has already cost municipalities, property owners, nursery operators, and the forest-product industry hundreds of millions of dollars. Protecting ash trees from this deadly beetle requires a combination of quarantines, that regulatory agencies are already enforcing, and insecticide treatment, such as the one performed by Almstead at Liberty State Park.

"The Grove of Remembrance, located in Liberty State Park, is a 10.8-acre tract where over 750 mature trees, one tree for each New Jersey victim of September 11, 2001, are planted. This memorial allows all who visit a peaceful place to reflect while viewing the Manhattan skyline and the area where the Twin Towers once stood." Please visit their website for more information or to donate.