Emerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive beetle that has destroyed tens of millions of true ash species in 25 US states. The larvae of the beetle burrow deep into the trunk and destroy the vascular system of the tree. Trees infested with the beetle show signs like thinning in the upper canopy, serpentine galleries, and d-shaped exit holes. Stressed ash trees will eventually die within 3-5 years of the initial attack.
Here in this post, we will give you three tips to manage EAB.
#Tip 1. Tree injection
If you want to inject chemicals into trees without spraying, then direct injection of pesticides through the bark and into the trunk is an environmentally sound option. Many prefer this method since it requires fewer chemicals and there is no mess around the tree. Trunk injection is also the fastest method to control EAB as the circulation of the pesticide starts within a few days. The chemical used in this process is emamectin benzoate. A single injection is expected to last three growing seasons. When pests like EAB feed on the tree, the tissue is killed since it contains Emamectin Benzoate. This insecticide has a 2-year efficacy on leaves and 3-years in tree trunks. Trunk injections should be done during mid to late spring after trees have leafed out and throughout the summer.
#Tip 2. Use soil drench method
A good way to control the EAB is by drenching the soil around the tree with diluted insecticide. The compound, imidacloprid, can be used by homeowners by mixing the product with water. You can pour the solution directly on the soil around the base of the trunk. You can also inject the liquid a few inches below ground at multiple locations near the base of the ash tree. The insecticide gets absorbed by the roots, and then the treatment is circulated throughout the tree, from leaves to roots. It can take 6 to 8 weeks for the insecticide to reach an adequate level in the ash tree bark, so the method must be done in early to mid-spring or mid-fall. There are instructions on the bottle labels about how to mix and apply the insecticide around the trees. However, dumping so much insecticide downward through the soil may cause groundwater contamination.
#Tip 3. Trunk Spray
This method involves the spraying of the insecticide dinotefuran at the lower portion of the ash tree trunk. It allows the insecticide to penetrate through the bark and into the vascular system of a tree. The insecticide dinotefuran is sold under the brands Safari 20 SG, Transtect, and Zylam. Dinotefuran is mixed with water, and the desired amount of spray will depend on the size of the tree. The ideal height of wetting the tree is about five feet. The spray should be done during mid to late spring after trees have leafed out. Dinotefuran can also be applied using the soil drench method but is considerably more expensive than imidacloprid.
About Seacoast Tree Care
If you notice a growth of ticks on your plants, contact Seacoast Tree Care. We are experts in complete tree care, preservation, and removal and have a qualified team of certified arborists who will use tick prevention methods to ensure that your trees and plants flourish and thrive in all seasons. Call us at 603-431-0101 or 978-225-6644, or drop an email at info@seacoasttreecare.com to know more. You can also fill up our contact form, and we will get back to you.
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