Emerald Ash Borer
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a small metallic green beetle that kills all species and sizes of ash trees by girdling the conductive cambium layer beneath the bark. EAB was first discovered in far western NY in the fall of 2009, and has since spread to other parts of the state. Tell-tale signs of EAB infestations are ash trees that show sudden die-back in their crowns, often accompanied by vigorous sprouting along the main stem, and small “D” shaped exit holes in the bark—as well as increased woodpecker activity. There are other diseases that have been attacking ash trees for decades in the region, so dead trees are not necessarily due to EAB. EAB is transported primarily through human movement of infected wood, so DO NOT transport wood from dead trees where EAB was suspect.