Emerald Ash Borer is a dangerous insect that invades and destroys Ash trees. They have killed thousands of trees across the country since they first appeared in 2002. But there’s something in particular that makes this situation a big cause for concern- Dead Ash Trees are Not Safe! Keep reading to see why this species of trees can pose a threat to your property and loved ones if you don’t remove it immediately.
Emerald Ash Borers are fast killers!
Ash trees infested with Emerald Ash Borers die within 1-3 years. To understand why dead Ash trees are not safe, we first need to look at how the Emerald Ash Borer invades and inevitably kills a tree.
How Emerald Ash Borers Destroy Trees
The adult borers swarm the tree and lay eggs under the bark. Once the larvae emerge, they immediately start chewing their way through the wood of the tree. Imagine the veins of your body with blood flowing freely through them. In much the same way, the veins in the grains of the tree allow water to flow through the tree. When the larvae chew through the wood, they cut off water circulation.
Additionally, the adult beetles create thousands of exit wounds as they leave the tree, further causing damage that dries out the tree.
If more than ½ of the tree’s crown is dead, the Ash cannot be saved. Unfortunately, a dead Ash tree quickly becomes a safety hazard. Tree removal will be necessary, especially if the dead Ash is located near your home, driveway or play area.