If you have ash trees on your property in Charlotte, NC, there is an invasive pest you should know about: the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB).
Emerald Ash Borer is a destructive beetle that attacks ash trees by feeding on the tissues beneath the bark that transport water and nutrients. Over time, this damage can cause canopy decline and eventually kill the tree.
The good news is that healthy ash trees can often be protected with professional treatment, especially when action is taken before significant decline occurs.
At Justin’s Tree Service, we can inspect your ash trees, look for signs of Emerald Ash Borer, and determine whether treatment is the right option.
Signs of Emerald Ash Borer
EAB damage can be difficult to identify during the early stages. Some common warning signs include:
- Thinning or dieback in the upper canopy
- Small D-shaped exit holes in the bark
- S-shaped galleries beneath loose bark
- Increased woodpecker activity
- Bark splitting or cracking
- New shoots developing along the trunk or lower branches
Not every declining ash tree has Emerald Ash Borer, which is why proper identification is important before determining a treatment plan.
Can Emerald Ash Borer Be Treated?
Yes. Professional systemic insecticide treatments can be highly effective at protecting suitable ash trees from Emerald Ash Borer.
One treatment option is a professional trunk injection, which allows the tree to absorb the treatment and distribute it throughout its vascular system. When EAB larvae feed on treated tissue, they are exposed to the insecticide.
Treatment is generally most effective while the tree is still healthy or showing only limited decline. Once an ash tree has experienced significant canopy loss or structural deterioration, removal may be the better option.
Should You Treat or Remove Your Ash Tree?
Not every ash tree should automatically be treated. Our team considers the tree’s overall health, size, location, structural condition, level of decline, and value to the property.
For a large, healthy ash tree providing significant shade and landscape value, preserving the tree through treatment may make more sense than removing and replacing it.
If the tree is already severely declining or structurally compromised, removal may be the safer and more practical solution.
Emerald Ash Borer Treatment for Homes & Commercial Properties
Emerald Ash Borer can affect trees on residential properties as well as HOAs, apartment communities, commercial properties, golf courses, office parks, and other managed landscapes.
For properties with multiple ash trees, early identification allows us to develop a long-term plan that may include treatment, monitoring, and selective removal.
Protect Your Ash Trees Before It’s Too Late
Emerald Ash Borer can cause extensive damage before symptoms become obvious. Early detection and treatment give your ash trees the best opportunity for long-term preservation.
Justin’s Tree Service provides professional Plant Health Care and Emerald Ash Borer treatment in Charlotte, NC and surrounding areas.
If you’re concerned about an ash tree on your property, contact Justin’s Tree Service today to schedule an evaluation and determine whether treatment is right for your tree.
