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Emerald Ash Borer Symptoms

Although any tree pest is worrisome, emerald ash borer is to blame for the death of millions of ash trees in 27 states—becoming a particularly prevalent concern in the state of New Jersey.

What Is Emerald Ash Borer?

Native to Asia, emerald ash borer is an insect pest that infects and kills ash trees. The pest was first discovered in the United States June 2002, and was likely unknowingly introduced ten years before.

As an adult, the insect is about a half-inch long and an 1/8-inch-wide, with a metallic green body and copper red underbelly. The larvae, which cause the most severe damage, are white or cream colored with an inch-long body made of ten bell-shaped abdominal segments. While white and black ash are particularly susceptible to emerald ash borer, all ash trees are at risk.

Lifecycle

Adult emerald ash borer feed on margins of the ash leaf; after feeding, the female lays eggs under the bark flaps on the trunk of the ash tree. The larvae later tunnel further into the bark, feeding on the cambium—the layer of the tree that transports nutrients and water.

Adult beetles surface in May or early June, leaving a three to four millimeter hole in the tree, shaped like the capital letter D. These D-shaped exit holes are found on the branches and trunks of the ash trees.

Continuing the cycle, the adult beetle feeds on ash leaves until August. Altogether, the lifecycle of an emerald ash borer is a full year.

Signs and Symptoms of Emerald Ash Borer

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Because these insects infest the top of the tree’s crown first, it is particularly difficult to find exit holes or adult beetles—obvious signs of an infestation. Instead, there are several other signs and symptoms to look out for:

• Woodpecker damage and heightened activity
• Crown dieback
• Bark splits
• Exit holes on the lower trunk over time
• Epicormic branching
• S-shaped larval galleries

Ultimately, trees will only live about three to four years after an infestation.

How to Identify the Signs

Not sure if your ash tree is exhibiting the signs listed above? Here’s what to look for:

1: Woodpecker Activity and Damage
Woodpeckers feed on emerald ash borer larvae living under the bark of ash trees. You may notice an increased level of woodpecker activity, particularly higher in the tree where these pests attack first. Woodpecker damage may look like strips of bark peeled from the tree, called “flecking.”

2: Crown Dieback
This symptom is the result of years’ worth of emerald ash borer feeding. Dead branches, leaf loss, discoloration, and thinning beginning at the top of the tree are all signs to watch for.

3: Bark Splits
Look out for splits in the bark that run vertically up the tree. This is caused by callus tissue, developed around the larvae galleries. These splits can often reveal the galleries beneath the bark.

4: Exit Holes
Although these D-shaped emergence holes are more often found higher in the tree canopy, they can also be found lower on the trunk as the infestation progresses.

5: Epicormic Branching
When trees are sick due to an infestation, branches and leaves will attempt to grow wherever possible. During an emerald ash infestation, these branches tend to sprout out below the larvae are feeding and often at the base of the trunk.

6: S-Shaped Larval Galleries
If you happen get a view under the bark of your ash tree, look for s-shaped tube designs caused by larval feeding in which the pests wind back and forth along the tree. These galleries are full of frass and sawdust.

Additionally, check for the cream colored larvae or adult beetles themselves around your ash trees.

Homeowners and Landowners: Identifying Ash Trees

Ash is a popular species within our state. As a homeowner or landowner it’s important to identify any ash trees on your property, and prepare for emerald ash borer.

Ash Tree Characteristics

To identify ash trees, look for:

• Branches and buds are oriented directly across from each other, not staggered
• Compact leaves with 5-11 leaflets
• Tight bark with diamond-shaped ridges on mature trees
• Smooth bark on young trees
• Seeds are dry, oar-shaped samaras, usually in clusters. The seeds typically hang on the tree until late fall or early winter

Find out how much ash you have on your property, the size, and location.

Emerald Ash Borer Infestations: What You Can Do

Make sure to identify and monitor ash trees on your property, looking for any of the signs of the symptoms listed. You may use traps to detect the insects, and make sure to report any sightings.

Most importantly, ash trees can be treated to prevent infestation. Contact Happy Trees today for assistance in your ash tree protection.