The Emerald Ash Borer has made it’s way to Chattanooga. A native of Asia, this metallic green, half inch long beetle has killed millions of Ash trees since it was accidentally released in Michigan in the early 1990’s. It is considered the most economically destructive forest pest in American history.
Adult beetles emerge during the spring and summer months and live for 2-3 weeks. Females lay eggs on the bark of host trees. Larvae spend the rest of the summer feeding inside the tree and spend the winter under the bark. They pupate in spring, emerge through the bark and continue the cycle. Infestation is typically fatal. By the time a significant amount of canopy dieback has occurred, making the infestation apparent to the untrained eye, most trees have lost the ability to recover. Most infested trees die completely within two years.
The only truly effective, and environmentally responsible method for the protection of Ash trees from Emerald Ash Borer is the injection, before infestation occurs, of highly concentrated professional grade pesticides directly into the tree’s trunk. These injections require specialized equipment, specific training and a Pesticide Applicator’s License and Charter.