Protect Your Ash Tree

Photograph by Keith Kanoti, Maine Forest Service, Bugwood.org

Identifying Ash Trees

Before you can determine if you have an Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) problem, you must first identify whether or not you have Ash trees. Use these common criteria for identifying Ash.

Leaves

Ash trees feature compound leaves made of 5-11 leaflets. Ash leaves also have opposite budding, with leaflets being directly across from each other.

Branches

Like their leaves, Ash tree branches are also directly across from each other – not staggered.

Bark

Young Ash trees will have relatively smooth bark, while mature trees will have tight bark featuring distinct diamond-shaped ridges.

Seeds

When present, Ash tree seeds will usually be clustered together as dry, oar-shaped samaras.

Signs Of Infestation

Here are some helpful tips on what to look for in your Ash trees for signs of stress and infestation.

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Adult

Metallic green-colored adults emerge in early summer to feed on Ash foliage and lay eggs on bark. Little noticeable damage is caused by EAB adults. Photograph by Leah Bauer, USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station, Bugwood.org

EAB Larvae

Eggs hatch into larvae during late summer and fall. Larvae tunnel into trees to feed under the bark, thereby destroying the tree's ability to transport water and nutrients. Larvae leave S-shaped galleries under the bark of the trunk and branches. Photograph: Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources – Forestry Archive, Bugwood.org

The Next Year

Larvae spend the winter under the bark, pupate into adults, and emerge in early summer. As the adults exit the tree, they leave behind D-shaped exit holes. Eggs are laid soon thereafter and the destructive cycle begins again. Photograph by David Cappaert, Michigan State University, Bugwood.org

Check Your Ash Trees For Signs Of Stress

canopy dieback epicormic shoots increased woodpecker activity

CAPTION: Bark Splitting – Photograph by David Cappaert
CAPTION: Canopy dieback – Photograph by Jason Sharman,Vitalitree, Bugwood.org
CAPTION: Epicormic shoots – Photograph by David Cappaert
CAPTION: Increased woodpecker activity – Photograph by Joy Viola,Northeastern University, Bugwood.org

Can Your Ash Tree Be Saved?

Healthy trees can still be saved from EAB. Follow these easy steps to help you identify if your Ash trees can be treated with BioAdvanced Tree and Shrub product line.

Are your trees:

Healthy and growing with more than half their leaves
Less than 20" in diameter at chest height
Showing only few outward signs such as woodpecker damage, bark splits and water sprouts at the tree base

If your tree fits these criteria, 12 Month Tree & Shrub Protect & Feed may be for you. If your tree doesn't fit these criteria, contact a certified arborist in your area. Photograph David Cappaert,Michigan State University, Bugwood.org

Protect And Feed Your Trees

Use 12 Month Tree & Shrub Protect & Feed Liquids to keep your Ash trees healthy and happy
Provides 12 months of systemic protection with one application
Provides slow-release fertilizer
Protects entire tree or shrub – especially new growth
Prevents damage from destructive insects like Emerald Ash Borers, Japanese Beetles (Adult), Leafminers and other listed pests
Just measure, mix and water in