Emerald Ash Borer is an insect that kills ash trees

Emerald Ash Borer is an invasive species from Asia that attacks all ash species that grow in South Dakota. The larvae of the beetle destroy the vascular system of the tree causing dieback and death. Trees infested with the beetle have no natural defenses to the insect and will die within 3-5 years of the initial attack. Trees can die within a year where the insect is established and insect population is high.

High-value ash trees require treatment for prevention
All species of ash trees are highly susceptible to the Emerald Ash Borer and require either a soil applied or trunk-injected treatment to prevent infestation by EAB. By the time an ash tree shows obvious damage, it is usually too late to treat for EAB. However, preventive treatment can protect and save your ash tree.

What to look for
• Early fall coloration.
• Sparse leaves and tree canopy dieback.
• Woodpecker feeding.
• New branches sprouting from trunk.
• D-shaped holes in the bark showing where adult borers have exited.
• Hollow galleries underneath the bark.
• Decline in entire groups of ash trees.

EAB moves through communities quickly and with devastation
Emerald Ash Borer was confirmed in Sioux Falls, South Dakota in May of 2018. The current recommendations are that trees within 15 miles of the north end of Sioux Falls should be treated if they are to be kept alive. Trees outside the area are not recommended to be treated, but should be monitored for dieback and signs of infestation.

Life Cycle
• Insect larvae hatch from eggs deposited by beetles in bark crevices.
• Larvae chew through the bark and begin feeding on the tree interior.
• Feeding is complete in fall and larvae remain in the tree through winter.
• Adult beetles emerge late May to mid-August.

Treatment and Prevention
There are currently two options available for protection against the Emerald Ash Borer:
• A soil-applied systemic treatment.
– Application is yearly.
• A trunk injection systemic treatment
– Application every other year.
• Treatment timelines are dependent on your tree, landscape, infestation levels, and time of season.

See our Treatment Program

Contact Aspen Arboriculture today to help you prevent the bug that has been destroying ash trees across the United States from doing the same to your own ash trees.  Serving the Sioux Falls, South Dakota and surrounding areas.