Emerald Ash Borer in Marine

Emerald ash borer (EAB) is a devastating pest, whose larvae kill ash trees by tunneling under the bark, disrupting the tree's ability to transport water and nutrients. EAB can kill all area ash trees in a very short time. Since its first detection in Michigan in 2002, EAB has spread to 25 states and killed more than 50 million trees.

 

Slowing the spread means treatment or removal.

Planning ahead allows cities to spread the costs over years, making it easier on the city’s budget and taxpayers.

 

Treatment

High value trees, greater than 48 inches in circumference or 15 inches in diameter, can be treated with injection by a professional pesticide applicator. Treatment must be repeated throughout the life of the tree. Sprayed and poured insecticides are not as effective and can drift or leach, negatively impacting surrounding areas. 

Lightly infested trees with less than 50 percent canopy decline can recover if treated. Trees suffering more than 50 percent canopy decline are poor candidates for treatment.

 

Removal

If you are not interested in treating your ash tree, consider having it removed by a professional tree care company and replant with a tree that is right for your area. 

Waiting to remove your tree once it has become heavily infested or dead could end up costing more.

 

Hazard

Ash trees killed by EAB dry out quickly. Falling over or dropping large branches poses a risk to people and property.  

 

What can I do about EAB?

  • Don't move firewood unless it's MDA Certified firewood