The Emerald Ash Borer continues to devastate Rockville’s ash trees, with dozens of trees removed from city streets and parks, and more to come as the ash borer population grows.
EAB is a non-native, wood-boring beetle that is specific to ash trees and has killed tens of millions of trees nationwide. This pest feeds on the tree’s vascular system throughout the summer and fall, disrupting the movement of water and nutrients within the tree and eventually killing it. The ash borer, native to China, leaves a unique “D”-shaped exit hole in ash trees that distinguishes it from native borer species. Once a significant infestation is identified, treatment options have proven ineffective in saving trees.
Once an ash dies, the tree degrades quickly and can become a danger to people and property.
Fortunately, only about 3 percent of Rockville’s trees are ash species and most neighborhoods won’t be affected. Ash trees in Rockville’s parks are more difficult to locate and remove because of their more remote locations. The city’s forester is continually monitoring ash trees throughout Rockville, and takes quick action to remove them once an infestation is identified.
Homeowners with ash trees on their property should consult a state-licensed tree expert to determine the best treatment options. Preventative measures are available; however, they are only effective for trees not showing signs of infestation. The treatments can be applied every one or two years, depending on which product is used.
For information on identifying ash trees and symptoms of EAB infestation, visit www.emeraldashborer.info. For more information, contact City Forester Wayne Noll at 240-314-8700 or [email protected].