Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) was first discovered in Southeast Michigan in the summer of 2002. Since this time, it has caused the destruction of millions of ash trees in the state. In July of 2005, the first case of EAB was confirmed in East Lansing. Since this time, EAB has spread rapidly throughout the City and nearly all ash trees are now infested and dying. Prior to the introduction of EAB, over 800 ash trees lived along City streets and in our medians. Many of these trees have now succumbed to this invasive species and have been removed. The City is continuing to aggressively remove these trees so that they do not become hazardous. About EAB
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis, is an exotic beetle native to Asia. Adult EAB beetles feed on ash tree leaves but cause little damage. EAB larvae feed on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting the tree's ability to transport water and nutrients. EAB larvae feeding in the tree is the cause of tree death.
Insecticide Options
Download Insecticide Options for Protecting Ash Trees from Emerald Ash Borer, which covers the various products and guidelines that can be used effectively treat ash trees. Symptoms of Infestation The presence of EAB usually goes undetected in the first year or so. Not until symptoms start showing up is it evident that a tree is infested. Symptoms include: 1) Dieback in the upper 1/3 of the tree is one of the first symptoms; this is followed by subsequent dieback in the remainder of the tree in the following year(s); 2) Dieback is sometimes followed by a large number of shoots which sprout out from below the dead portions of the trunk; 3) Adult beetles which emerge from the trunk of the tree in early summer, leave a small D-shaped exit hole. The hole is about 1/16 to 1/8 inch in diameter; and 4) Finally, tissue produced by the tree in response to larval feeding often causes vertical splits to occur in the bark. Now that it is here, what can you do? First, help stop the spread of EAB by not moving non-coniferous firewood or other ash wood products outside of the quarantined counties. Click here to see what counties are currently under the State quarantine for EAB and to read about quarantine rules.
Second, make sure you know how to properly identify ash trees so that you can determine if your tree may have EAB. Remember, only ash trees (Mountain Ash is not in the Ash family and will not be infested by EAB) are host to EAB. Click here to see how to identify ash trees.
Third, understand your options. Residents who have ash trees may choose to let nature run its course and remove the tree once it has died, or may desire to intervene to save a tree. If you have a tree that becomes infested and dies, City ordinance requires that it be promptly removed to ensure public safety. There are numerous tree care companies in the area that can assist you in removing your tree. It is best to hire a company that is insured and bonded. [Learn More] If you would like to try to save an existing tree, there are options for homeowners. Again, there are several tree care companies that can apply treatments to trees to help protect your ash from EAB. Please note however, that your tree will need to be treated annually. There are also "over the counter" insecticides that can be applied to ash trees or the soil which help protect ash trees. Michigan State University is currently researching more insecticides, but has developed a Guide for Homeowners.
Questions & Resources Residents who have questions or need additional information can visit the Michigan Department of Agriculture or Emerald Ash Borer In Michigan. For more information, contact Dave Smith, Environmental Specialist, City of East Lansing, Department of Public Works, 337-9459.