The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a small (1/2 inch long, 1/8 inch wide) metallic green beetle that has killed millions of ash trees across the Midwest. Ash trees are very common in landscapes and most species, namely white ash and green ash, are native to Illinois forests. Pictures of various types of ash trees can be viewed at the Morton Arboretum website, http://www.mortonarb.org.
Infestation of Emerald Ash Borer can be very difficult to detect until the branches of an infected tree begin to die. The most visible sign that the EAB is present is crown dieback, which appears after the first year of infestation. Usually the leaves on the upper third of the tree will begin to thin and the branches will begin to die. A number of suckers and branches will also sprout from the base of the tree and on the trunk. The bark may split vertically and woodpeckers may begin to feed on the beetle larvae leaving visible damage on the bark. Adult beetles emerging from trees will leave a very small 1/8 inch diameter distinctly D-shaped exit hole that may appear anywhere on the trunk or upper branches. Distinct S-shaped larval feeding tunnels may also be apparent under the bark. Typically, the tree will die in about three years.
At this time, there is no recognized treatment for trees that have been infested with the Emerald Ash Borer. Treatments with insecticides are currently being studied, but residents should use caution if they are approached by companies promising treatments to prevent Emerald Ash Borer infestation. The best defense against this pest is to make sure that your ash trees are healthy and maintained.
The Village is working to monitor and protect Woodridge’s ash tree population and will continue to stay abreast of this issue. At this time, the Emerald Ash Borer has not been found within the Village of Woodridge. Residents are encouraged to report sick or dead trees by calling the Woodridge Public Works Department at 630-719-4753; the Morton Arboretum Plant Clinic at 630-719-2424; the Illinois Department of Agriculture’s Pesticide Hotline at 312-742-3385; or the national EAB hotline at 866-EAB-4512.
Residents can take some steps to prevent the Emerald Ash Borer, including:
- Do Not Transport Firewood: Emerald Ash Borer can easily be transported in ash logs. Make sure to purchase firewood locally from a known source and be sure to use all of the firewood in the cold months so that no hidden Emerald Ash Borer larvae or adults can survive on logs left through the spring.
- Monitor the Health of Your Ash Trees: Look for dead and dying branches at the top of the tree's crown. If you suspect an ash tree seems sick , call the Public Works Department at (630) 719-4753.
- Stay Informed by visiting the Morton Arboretum website
www.mortonarb.org or www.emeraldashborer.info.