The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a small, winged, metallic green beetle. While in its larval stage, the invasive pest feeds on the underside of the bark on ash trees. This prevents the tree from effectively distributing water and nutrients and will eventually cause the tree to die. It is estimated that in urban areas of Wisconsin, ash trees account for about 20% of trees. In forested areas of the state, it's estimated that this number is 7%.
EMERALD ASH BORER QUARANTINE
A quarantine, effective as of August 22, was established in Kenosha County on materials that can transport the EAB. The quarantine was established after the confirmation of an EAB in the County. The quarantine outlines rules to help prevent the spread of the pest in an attempt to protect the ash tree population. Under the quarantine, it is illegal to move: ash material, such as logs, mulch, and nursery stock; hardwood firewood; and the EAB itself out of the quarantine area.
IDENTIFYING AN ASH TREE AND THE PRESENCE OF THE ASH BORER
To know if you could be impacted by the Emerald Ash Borer, it is important for you to know how to identify both the tree and the presence of the pest. Leaves on an ash tree are compound leaves having between 5 and 11 leaflets. The leaflets are located directly across from each other, as opposed to being staggered (see image at the right).
There are a number of indicators of an Emerald Ash Borer infestation in an ash tree. These can include:
• ash trees showing dead branches which begin at the top of the tree;
• ash trees with excessive growth of new branches at the tree base or on the trunk;
• ash trees with vertical splits in the bark of the tree;
• evidence of woodpecker feeding activity on an ash tree;
• ash trees with D-shaped holes in the bark that are approximately 1/8 inch in diameter;
• visual evidence of larval galleries, the cream colored larva, or the metallic green adult beetle.
If you suspect an Emerald Ash Borer infestation, you are asked to call 1 (800) 462-2803 or email [email protected]. You can find more information about the Emerald Ash Borer online at EmeraldAshBorer.wi.gov. Watch for further information about how the Village can help you protect your ash trees in an upcoming issue of the Village Newsletter.
In the PDF below, you can find information on identifying an ash tree along with an informational brochure from the USDA entitled The Green Menace.
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