EAB update in Rochester, NY

See this article regarding the City of Rochester's plan to treat, remove and replant as a response to the EAB infestation that is about to occur: http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20101127/NEWS01/101126014/City-wants-to-treat-some-ash-trees--cut-down-others

Winter Pruning

What is going on in this example? This amalanchier has been sheared in the past, as is obvious from the tight, sucker-filled top growth. By pruning in the winter when the tree is dormant it's possible to correct some of this improper growth without much harm to the tree. Deep cuts were taken to reduce the amount of 'witch's broom' growth, thereby thinning the canopy.

Tree Excavation

Unfortunately, it has become common practice to create mulch 'volcanoes' around trees. It is so common that many people think this is the correct way to mulch a tree. In fact, mulch should not touch the trunk of the tree, as this causes excess moisture to build up on the bark. This presents an ideal situation for insects and disease to thrive. In excavating the excess mulch and soil around the base of this Japanese maple, 4 full wheelbarrows of mulch and soil were removed and the proper depth of soil and mulch- at ground level - was achieved.

Firewood and EAB

One of the ways Emerald Ash Borer has spread is by traveling in firewood. It's imperative that firewood for camping be purchased locally. Also, commercial firewood distributors must obey the restrictions in place and only deliver firewood locally. By preventing the transport of firewood we can help slow the spread, inevitable as it may be, of EAB.

Emerald Ash Borer ID

Emerald Ash Borer - it's tiny, as you can see. Bright, metallic green. The adult beetle emerges in the spring, resulting, due to the shape of it's head, in D-shaped exit holes. The adult feeds on foliage throughout the summer, but causes little damage. Eggs are laid under the bark of the ash tree from Mid May to mid-August. The larvae cause the fatal damage.

Photo at left: Michigan State University, photo at right University of Georgia.

EAB Larvae

Pictured are the little devils that do all the damage by eating away under the bark of the ash tree. Their feeding destroys the layer of the tree that transports water and nutrients, resulting in the death of the tree.
Photo credit University of Georgia

Emerald Ash Borer Damage

Back for more info on EAB? This photo was taken in October 2010 on Morgan Road in Chili, NY, following the discovery of several infested trees. Experts have determined that EAB has been in this tree for approximately 5 years. This is significant in that nearby ash trees, while not showing signs or symptoms, are almost certainly already infested.
Pictured here are the 'serpentine galleries' created by the feeding of the Emerald Ash Borer larvae. The larvae travel back and forth, feeding on the cambium of the tree, just beneath the bark. The cambium is where the vascular system of the tree is located. When this tissue is destroyed, the tree cannot transport water and nutrients and the end result is death.