ASH TREES

ASH TREES
Protection fromAsian beetles
Identifying and protecting ash trees:
Q. How do I know if I have ash trees on my property?
A. There are four species of ash native to the eastern United States -- white, green, black and blue. Branches and leaves always grow in pairs directly opposite each other. The oval, pointed leaves are arranged in groups of 5, 7, 9 or 11 along a larger stem, depending on the species. Fall color is usually gold, but in white ash can turn to orange, red and purple. The bark of mature trees is grayish with deep grooves.
Q. How can I protect my trees near an infested area?
A. Researchers recommend insecticide treatments each April or May in healthy trees, or even starting this fall and then switching to spring treatments. Choose a professional arborist with experience, references and knowledge of the emerald ash borer pest.
Q. What are signs of an emerald ash borer infestation?
A. The half-inch-long adult beetles shimmer a metallic green in the sunlight, but they're shy and extremely hard to spot on trees. The most obvious sign is the appearance of holes on the bark, about 1/8 inch wide and shaped like a "D," when the beetles emerge as adults in June. Unfortunately, by that time at least a year's worth of damage has been done. Upper branches will start dying and small branches might start shooting out from the bottom of the tree.
Q. What can I do to help stop the spread?
A. Don't move ash logs to other counties or states. If you don't know what type of firewood you're buying, ask.
Q. Where can I learn more?
A. A Web site set up by the government and university groups fighting the pest, www.emeraldashborer.info/, has information including a tree identification guide and tips for tree owners.
Sources: www.emeraldashborer.info, AP Research