Emerald Ash Borer Spread: A Concern in the State of Colorado

The emerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive insect. It has killed a few million ash trees throughout North America. This destructive beetle is a significant concern in Colorado, where ash trees make up a considerable portion of the forest.

If you notice emerald ash borer spread in your ash trees, report it to the Colorado Department of Agriculture so they can investigate and take appropriate action. If EBA has affected your trees, you can use a service like a tree trimming in Lakewood by Arbor Pro Tree Experts.

What Is an Emerald Ash Borer?

EAB was first detected in the United States in 2002 in Michigan. It arrived from Asia in wood packaging material. The beetle bores into ash trees and eats the bark inside the tree, not letting the tree transport nutrients and water. This type of feeding eventually will kill the tree.

The spread of EAB has now spread to 35 states, and Colorado is one of them.

EAB Identification

The best way to identify an EAB infestation is by the distinctive D-shaped exit holes it leaves within the ash tree. You can also look for these signs and symptoms:

• Serpentine tunnels just under the bark
• S-shaped larval galleries in the wood
• Splitting bark
• Woodpecker damage

Why Is EAB So Destructive?

EAB has no natural predators to keep their population in check. In addition, they can reproduce quickly, with each female laying up to 90 eggs at a time. The larvae that hatch from these eggs begin feeding from the tree within a few days.

Managing EABs

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to managing EABs. The best way to protect your trees is to have them treated with an insecticide before EABs infiltrate your area.

If you think you have EABs in your area, get in touch with the Colorado Department of Agriculture so they can investigate and take action. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service also has a fact sheet about EABs.

Treatment Options for EAB Damage

Soil injection, trunk injection, and basal bark spraying are all effective methods of treating EAB damage. If you think your trees have EABs, contact a professional tree service like Arbor Pro Tree Experts to have them assessed and treated.

Preventing the Spread of EABs

Take the following steps to prevent the emerald ash borer (EAB) spread:

• Don't move firewood. If you buy firewood, make sure it is from a local source.
• Don't transport ash materials. These materials include ash logs, branches, and leaves.
• Don't dispose of ash materials in your compost bin.

Arbor Pro Tree Experts offers EAB treatments that can help protect your ash trees. We also provide tree trimming, removal, and other tree care services.

We have experience with emerald ash borer services and can provide the best course of action for your infested trees. If you think your trees have been affected by EABs, call us today at (303) 935-0005.