Emerald Ash Borer
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is native to eastern Asia and it is believed that this beetle was unintentionally brought to the U.S. in infested ash crates or pallets. The most recent findings have been in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 2017, Sioux Falls, South Dakota in 2018 and Sauk Centre, Minnesota in 2019. EAB has already killed 100’s of millions ash trees within North America. Federal and state quarantines have been imposed that regulate the interstate movement of ash material from infested areas.
Description: Adult beetles are a half inch long and slender. The wing covers are rough metallic emerald green and the rest of the body appears metallic golden green.
Damage & Symptoms: EAB attacks and kills all ash species and cultivars regardless of the tree’s health or size. Larvae damage the conductive tissues and restrict the trees ability to move nutrients. The first visible symptoms are thinning and dieback of foliage. After dieback, trees often grow a large mass of shoots below the infested area. Close inspection may reveal “D” shaped exit holes, vertical splits in the bark over the infested area, and serpentine tunnels under the bark.
EAB & North Dakota: At this time, no evidence of EAB has been detected in North Dakota or Grand Forks. EAB can move only short distances on its own, but when transported by way of infected ash materials, the beetles can move from one state to another in a matter of hours. Annually, the Grand Forks Park District Forestry Department works with the ND Department of Agriculture in setting EAB traps throughout Grand Forks. The traps are inspected throughout the season to detect any signs of EAB.
What can you do? When camping, leave your firewood at home and purchase local campsite firewood. Only purchase what you will use. Burn all wood and do not travel with wood. When at home, only purchase from local firewood sources and burn wood within the season. Diversify your tree plantings (do not put all your eggs in one basket).
Recommended Tree Species: Linden cultivars, Emerald Luster Maple, Sienna Glen Maple, Unity Sugar Maple, Hackberry, Northern Acclaim Honeylocust, Bur Oak, Japanese Tree Lilac, Crab cultivars, Cathedral Elm, Discovery Elm.