Emergency Tree Removal
Emerald Ash Borer Treatment in Charlotte, NC
WARNING: The Emerald ash borer, or EAB, is a troublesome pest that’s been heading this way for a bit over a decade. IT IS NOW IN the Carolinas!!! Heartwood Tree Care has been keeping an eye on the situation for a while now and has put together this page to provide information about the pest, its signs and symptoms, spread, and treatments. We’ll be updating this page on a regular basis as things change and we learn more.
What makes us the experts? Well, it's in the numbers! We have been in business for over 40 years, have more than 30 certified arborists on our team, and hold a dozen awards and accreditations. Plus, we have saved almost 500 trees from EAB infestations!
Contact us today for more emerald ash resources or to schedule one of our renowned tree services we offer to folks throughout Charlotte, Asheville, Lake Norman, Mooresville, and Huntersville.
FAQs About Emerald Ash Borer Treatment
Emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis, is an exotic beetle native to Asia and Eastern Russia. Named after its distinct, metallic green color, it was first detected in the United States in 2002 in the Great Lakes Region and has been slowly spreading ever since. Despite the adult emerald ash borer measuring only about half an inch long, these invasive pests pose a colossal threat to forests across our area and beyond. So far, over tens of millions of once-healthy trees have been affected.
As the name states, ash trees are their primary host plant. There’s been some research and observations over the last year or two that indicate that another few species might be affected, but ash trees are the concern at this point.
The emerald ash borer undergoes a complete metamorphosis throughout its life cycle. Adult beetles emerge from infested ash wood trees in late spring, typically between May and June. While they consume ash leaves, their feeding damage is relatively minor compared to the devastation caused by their offspring. After mating, females lay tiny eggs in bark crevices. After the eggs hatch, the EAB larvae tunnel beneath the bark and begin feeding on the calcium layer, which is the crucial tissue responsible for transporting water and nutrients throughout the entire tree.
As the larvae grow and develop, they create winding galleries that continue to disrupt the tree's vascular system. This feeding activity weakens the tree, making it more susceptible to disease, bark splitting, broken branches, and eventually death. After one or two years of feeding, the larvae pupate within the tree, transforming into adult beetles. The emergence of these new adults marks the beginning of a new generation, and the EAB infestation cycle continues.
YES!
The Emerald Ash Borer has been discovered in numerous counties across both North and South Carolina. It spreads through natural means and with some help from man (transporting fire logs and lumber is now illegal due to the quick spread of EAB this way).
We have the benefit of 10 years of trial and error trying to control this pest in other parts of the country. We have a good handle on how to help trees withstand the EAB storm when it comes. Treating your trees with an insecticide PREVENTATIVELY is the best way to protect them. There are several different ways we can apply the needed product, depending on the location of the tree, the time of year, and a few other factors.
At Heartwood Tree Care, we offer advanced insecticide treatments to combat Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) infestations, providing a lifeline for your beloved ash trees. Our primary EAB treatment method involves trunk injections using emamectin benzoate, an extremely powerful and systemic insecticide. This treatment is specifically designed to target EAB without harming the surrounding ecosystem.
The process begins with a thorough assessment of the tree's health and the severity of the issue. A certified arborist will then carefully inject the emamectin benzoate directly into the tree's vascular system through small holes drilled at the base of the trunk. This allows the treatment to spread evenly throughout the tree, reaching even the highest branches. The emamectin benzoate works by disrupting the nervous system of EAB larvae feeding within the tree, effectively halting their destructive activity. We also offer soil drench treatments as an alternative for smaller trees or in situations where trunk injections may not be suitable.
One of the key advantages of this technique for treating ash trees is its longevity - a single application can provide protection for up to two years, reducing the need for frequent treatments and preserving overall tree health. This approach is particularly beneficial for historic ash trees or those in areas where EAB infestations are severe.
Additionally, this emerald ash borer tree treatment is cost-effective as it mitigates the need for emergency tree removal. Eliminating any emerald green monsters can also lead to more green in your pocket when you decide to sell, as protecting ash trees helps maintain property values for homeowners.
Perhaps the most important perk of combating these tiny tree terrors is the environmental impact. Trees purify the air we breathe, provide homes to critical wildlife (excluding the beetles, of course), and aid in ecosystem balance.
It’s not a matter of if; it’s a matter of when. It takes only 2 years for the beetles to kill a tree. By the time it’s noticed, it’s too late. You have two options: either treat your Ash for protection or plan on paying to have it removed. Removal must be done by using aerial lifts because the tree becomes too dangerous to climb. We highly suggest using preventative treatments so we can avoid losing an important piece of the natural canopy. There are now entire sections of Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan with no ash trees!
EAB infestations, if detected early, can usually be resolved. Unfortunately, they often go unnoticed until it's too late, and the infected tree can no longer be saved. To help people preserve their trees, we at Heartwood Tree Care strive to educate homeowners like you on what signs can point to the presence of emerald ash borer. Here are some of the clues to watch for:
- Canopy dieback: Thinning and yellowing leaves starting at the top of the tree progressing downward.
- Epicormic sprouting: Clusters of small branches or leaves growing from the trunk or larger branches.
- Woodpecker activity: Increased woodpecker presence in your ash trees could indicate a hidden threat. These birds are attracted to the EAB larvae beneath the bark.
- D-shaped exit holes: Distinctive 1/8 inch wide, D-shaped holes where adult beetles emerge from the tree.
- Bark splits: Vertical cracks in the bark, often revealing S-shaped galleries underneath.
- Serpentine galleries: S-shaped tunnels under the bark, filled with sawdust-like frass.
- Leaf notches: Adult beetles feed on ash leaves, leaving notches along the edges.
- Bark flaking: Unusual bark shedding or flaking, often revealing lighter patches underneath.
- Crown transparency: Abnormal thinning of the tree's foliage, allowing more light to pass through.
- Basal sprouting: New growth emerging from the base of the tree, a sign of stress.
While there's no guaranteed way to avoid EAB entirely, taking proactive steps can significantly reduce the risk and prevent further damage. Property owners can help by avoiding the transportation of local firewood, as this is a common way the pest spreads. Regular inspection of your ash trees for signs of infestation is also essential. If you suspect an issue, contact our certified arborists right away.
At Heartwood Tree Care, we offer comprehensive emerald ash borer control services designed to protect your valuable greenery. Through our routine monitoring and targeted treatments at the first sign of trouble, we can offset emerald ash borer from wreaking havoc on your landscape.
Yes! If you have an ash tree that you love or care for, now is the time to put a protection plan in place and contact us. You can also send pictures of a tree you think is an ash to our email! By reaching out, even if you just have a hunch your trees could be in jeopardy, you can make a big difference in the fight against these small pests.
Helpful Ash tree identification links:
Social Media EAB Educational Links:
You can also follow our archnemesis, Emeril the Emerald Ash Borer, on social media. These social media platforms will document his travels while “stalking” the Ash tree through Mecklenburg county. This is a funny, entertaining, and informational take on raising awareness through these outlets via Facebook/Instagram. Give him a follow and keep up with what’s going on for Emeril the Emerald Ash Borer in Charlotte!Need Emergency Tree Removal Services?
Do you have a tree-related emergency? Don't panic. Heartwood Tree Care is available 24/7. Contact our emergency number or request an urgent callback via our Contact Us page. Your safety is our #1 priority!