Emerald Ash Borer

Overview of EAB

The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has killed millions of ash trees since its discovery in southeastern Michigan in 2002. Adult Emerald Ash Borer Native to Asia, this insect was probably introduced to the United States in wood packing material carried in on cargo ships or airplanes. Through a combination of natural spread and human activity it is now found in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Wisconsin, and now Minnesota, placing millions of additional ash trees at risk.

Symptoms of EAB

Adult beetles feed on leaves and it is uncertain what impact adult feeding has on tree health. Larvae on the other hand feed on the inner bark and disrupt the movement of water and minerals within a tree causing eventual dieback, decline and death of the tree. Symptoms of early infestations may be difficult to diagnose. Be on the lookout for multiple declining ash in a given area. As infestation progresses, small vertical splits in the bark can be seen on twigs or trunk and woodpecker holes may be present on trees. Trees may die after 2-4 years or less (small trees).

Rainbow Treecare can help:

Rainbow Treecare is nationally known for having developed the standard of protection for Dutch elm disease, likewise RTC has been developing EAB treatment strategies for prevention of EAB. Our latest research with the Ohio State University, completed in 2008, has resulted in the new standards in preventing EAB.

Drought and Your Trees

All trees, even mature ones need water. Significant changes in climate patterns are impacting entire ecosystems. Our urban landscapes are not immune to these changes. In fact, trees in urban areas are more prone to drought damage and death than natural stands of trees. The best solution to help trees through a drought period is to water your trees!

Trees that do not receive enough water are unable to create new growth. When this happens, root development is reduced and wound formation restricted. As trees reach this stage, they start to shut down and become targets for diseases and insects that can kill them.

Minnesota officials find emerald ash borer infestation in St. Paul neighborhood

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) today announced the discovery of an emerald ash borer infestation (EAB) in St. Paul just northeast of the intersection of Interstate 94 and Highway 280. This is the first detection of the destructive tree pest in Minnesota.

The infestation was initially reported to MDA by Rainbow Treecare Company on Wednesday. After receiving the report and conducting an initial inspection, MDA submitted larvae from the infested trees to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for confirmation as EAB. USDA made that preliminary confirmation this morning.

Insecticide Options for Protecting Ash Trees From Emerald Ash Borer

For larger trees, XytectTM (imidacloprid) soil drenches provided most consistent control of EAB when applied experimentally at twice the rate... This is not an option for Bayer AdvancedTM Tree and Shrub Insect Control and other homeowner formulations of imidacloprid, which are limited by the label to one application per year. Homeowners wishing to protect trees larger than 15-inch DBH should consider having their trees professionally treated.

Read the full report (PDF) by clicking below.

Watch Rainbow Treecare In Action

A video created by a client while Rainbow worked on his trees.