Ash trees are temperate and subtropical trees found in cities, suburbs and natural forests throughout the Unites States. They are characterized by opposite branching, oar-shaped fruit, and compound leaves. Of the 8 billion ash trees in North America, which comprise 16 different species, all are at risk from the destructive beetle known as the emerald ash borer. Nationwide, millions trees have all ready died.
The emerald ash borer is an invasive beetle from Asia. The borer is able to destroy tree tissue undetected under tree bark. Eventually, the canopy of an infected tree thins out and dies back. The root system is deprived of nutrients, and the tree starves. Trees die within 4 years of first diagnosis. There are no disease resistant species and there is no cure once trees are infected. Emerald ash borers are able to fly up to a half mile from infected ash nursery trees, logs or firewood.
Note: Symptoms of emerald ash borer are quite similar to ash yellowing, which is an incurable disease cause by a phytoplasma and spread by phloem-feeding insects. If you suspect your ash tree is infected with either contact a tree specialist immediately for a proper lab diagnosis.
References:
Emerald Ash Borer; Frequently Asked Questions; Deborah McCullough, et al.; February 2011
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