Can our Ash trees be saved from the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)?

EAB on hand

Can our ash trees be saved? Yes! If your ash tree is healthy, and has not been infested (or has a light infestation) we can help you save your trees!

Most people have heard about EAB in the news or through signage put up by the government. But not everyone knows that you can protect your trees from being killed by this insect.

What you need to know about EAB:

  • Emerald Ash Borer is a highly destructive invasive pest that arrived from Asia.
  • In North America, EAB was first detected in Windsor, ON and Detroit, MI (2002) but was likely present in these areas for several years prior to its discovery.
  • EAB beetles:
    • metallic green in color
    • about 1/2 inch long and an 1/8 inch wide
    • body is narrow and elongated, and the head is flat
    • eyes are kidney shaped and usually black.
    • feed on leaves and lay eggs from June to August
  • EAB larvae:
    • white and flat, with distinctive bell-shaped segments
    • grow up to 1 inch long
    • feed on inner bark, cutting off water and nutrient flow
  • EAB attacks all species of True Ash (Fraxinus spp.) found in North America.
  • EAB kills True Ash of any size or age, even healthy trees.
  • EAB does not attack or kill Mountain Ash.

What signs to look for:

  • Dead branches
  • Bark cracks
  • Heavy seeding (on female trees only)
  • Canopy thinning
  • Premature yellowing of foliage
  • Woodpecker and squirrel feeding
  • Epicormic shoots on main stem and/or major canopy branches

Please note that the above signs can be caused by other pests and/or stress.

What can be done:

  • TreeAzin is a systemic insecticide injected directly into the base of trees.
  • TreeAzin is produced from Neem tree (Azadiracta indica) seed extracts.
  • Neem extracts have been used for centuries to control insects.
  • The active ingredent in TreeAzin is Azadirachtin (5% solution).
  • TreeAzin is NOT Neem Oil.
  • In Canada, TreeAzin is registered by Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) (PCP 30559).
  • TreeAzin is exempt from Ontario’s Cosmetic Pesticide Ban Act.
  • TreeAzin is owned by the Canadian Forest Service (CFS) and was developed in collaboration with BioForest, who holds its worldwide license.

It is important to note that whatever course of action you choose you will have to spend money on these trees. Even if you decided to let them die you will have to have the tree removed before it becomes a hazard. Especially if the tree has targets it could harm/damage when it fails.