Michigan Ash Tree Split In The Field By 77 Year Young Man

What is the emerald ash borer (EAB)?
The emerald ash borer is a metallic green beetle that bores into ash trees feeding on tissues beneath the bark, ultimately killing the tree. It is not native to the United States and was first found in the U.S. near Detroit, Michigan in 2002. EAB is now found in many of the Midwestern and eastern states and has already killed tens of millions of ash trees.
How does it kill a tree?
Adult beetles lay eggs on the bark of ash trees. When the eggs hatch, the larvae (immature beetles) bore into the bark and feed on the transportation tissues of the tree. This disrupts the movement of nutrients and water within the tree, girdling it and causing tree death.
The emerald ash borer was first found in the U.S. in June 2002, near Detroit, Michigan. Since then, it has spread to many central and eastern U.S. states and parts of eastern Canada.
In 2013, the emerald ash borer was found in Granville, Person, Vance, and Warren counties in North Carolina. In 2015, it was found in many additional counties. The NC Forest Service tracks its movements and its current range in NC is continually updated.
How does EAB spread?
EAB can spread naturally by flying to new host trees upon emergence, but this dispersal is limited to a few miles a year. The more threatening spread is that of long-distance dispersion, which can easily occur when a beetle is accidentally transported from an infested area to an uninfested area by the transportation of ash wood products by humans. The spread of EAB to Tennessee and Virginia, including detection sites in counties adjacent to North Carolina, is believed to have been accidentally facilitated by humans.
Will EAB kill all of the ash trees?
It is too early to tell, but many believe that mortality may be similar to what has been seen with hemlocks (affected by hemlock woolly adelgid) and American chestnuts (affected by chestnut blight). The emerald ash borer has already killed tens of millions of ash trees in the United States and threatens to kill many more as its range expands. Research to manage the beetle is ongoing and the best management plan for now is to minimize its spread while seeking a permanent solution.
Why are ash trees important?
Ash wood is greatly valued for its strength and elasticity and is often used for baseball bats, bows, tool handles, and other products that require durability, strength, and resilience. Green ash is planted widely as a landscape tree in urban areas and is a valuable native component of wetland areas. Ash foliage and seeds are fed upon by numerous animals as well as butterfly and moth caterpillars.
How long does it take for a tree to die?
Within 2 years of observing symptoms, most of the crown of the tree will be dead. Complete tree death typically occurs within 5 years, but may take as few as 2-3 years.

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