The Emerald Ash Borer is a tiny but highly destructive insect that targets ash trees. Native to Asia, this beetle species has made its way across North America, decimating ash tree populations in its wake. Adult Emerald Ash Borers are typically about half an inch long and can be identified by their bright, metallic green color. They lay eggs in the crevices of ash tree bark, and when the larvae hatch, they bore into the tree, feeding on the inner bark and disrupting the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients.
Homeowners in St. Louis should keep an eye out for several key signs of Emerald Ash Borer damage:
- D-shaped exit holes: As adult beetles emerge from the tree, they leave behind small, D-shaped holes in the bark.
- S-shaped larval galleries: Beneath the bark, the larvae create winding, S-shaped tunnels as they feed, which can be visible if the bark is removed or falls off.
- Thinning canopy: Infested trees often exhibit a thinning canopy as the tree struggles to transport nutrients to its leaves.
- Bark splitting: Infested trees may also show signs of bark splitting, which reveals the larval galleries beneath.
- Excessive Epicormic Sprouting: Stressed trees activate dormant buds along trunks and limbs to recover lost canopy.
If you notice any of these signs on your ash trees, it’s important to act quickly. The damage caused by the Emerald Ash Borer can escalate rapidly, leading to the tree’s death within just a few years.
