Native to Asia, the Emerald Ash Borer is an exotic beetle that only attacks ash trees, first appearing in North America back in 2002 and taking up residence in Illinois in 2006. Millions of ash trees have been lost over the years by the beetle. Retired University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator Martha Smith explains that trees can be treated to prevent future loss:
“It is 100% mortality if you don’t treat. So you have to treat the tree. Depending on the size of the tree, if it is a smaller tree, you can do it yourself if you just buy the product, follow the label instructions, and water it in around the base of the tree. If it is a large tree, and something that you really want to keep if it is really a prominent place in your landscape, then you would probably want to have a professional come and inject. With some of the products now if you are going to have that done, it is every two years. If you do it yourself, it is every year.”
The Emerald Ash Borer is believed to have arrived in the United States on solid wood packing material carried on cargo ships and airplanes from Asia.
