Stein Reminds Residents Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week is May 19-25

As we noted a couple of weeks ago, spring is here and the emerald ash borer is becoming active. Adult beetles will soon be seen emerging from infested ash trees and fringetrees in Pennsylvania, Delaware and across the country. Homeowners need to be wary of this emerald green invasive pest that could destroy their trees. Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week, recognized May 19-25 this year, helps increase awareness of the threat and advises homeowners of the signs that trees could be infested.

What is the Emerald Ash Borer Threat?

If you have never heard about this threat, the emerald ash borer (EAB) is a metallic green insect that has been attacking the white ash tree in the US since 2002, when the insect found its way here from its native Asian home, in shipping materials. Awareness of the emerald ash borer’s presence has been steadily growing, as the beetle has spread and our ash tree populations have been destroyed. Tree care specialists and state Departments of Agriculture have been continuing to prepare for or treat spreading infestations. Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week is one effort to help manage the risk.

News About Emerald Ash Borer

Federal agencies are considering deregulating the quarantines for emerald ash borer in order to use more resources on research efforts to find solutions to the problem. The matter is still being decided, but some states without quarantines currently rely upon the federal restrictions to protect their tree populations.

Can Emerald Ash Borer Infestations Be Treated?

Typically pesticide applications are used to treat for emerald ash borer. The treatments may be surface sprays, soil saturations, or trunk injections. Some of the chemicals are regulated and must be administered carefully, in part to avoid risk to bee populations. Stein is one of the tree care companies trained and certified to use these chemicals in treating for EAB infestation.

If a tree has suffered too much damage, salvage may be impossible. If a tree’s canopy has been heavily impacted, removal is likely to be necessary to avoid spreading the infestation.

Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Tips

We have a few tips to help increase awareness of EAB and decrease the chance of spreading the pest to other areas.

• Watch for signs of EAB infestation. Signs include thinning canopies, D-shaped exit holes in trunks, and S-shaped galleries under bark.
• Avoid moving firewood. Collect firewood on your campsite or buy from a local source.
• Share Information. When more people are aware of the threat and the signs of EAB, the chances are better that any EAB presence will be caught early enough for trees to be saved. Report discovery of emerald ash borer. Homeowners and tree care specialists in Delaware can contact the Department of Agriculture’s Plant Industries Section at (302) 698-4586. In Pennsylvania, they can call (866) 253-7189.

Stein Tree Service Provides Skilled EAB Treatment and Other Tree Care Services

Stein Tree Service is the oldest independently-owned tree service company in Delaware. Our certified arborists and other tree care specialists are passionate about proper tree care and have been working to increase emerald ash borer awareness in local communities.

We perform all types of residential and commercial tree care, including tree trimming and pruning, right of way management, tree removal, and treatment of tree disease or insect infestation. Visit our site for more information or contact us for a free consultation.

Stein Tree Earns Permit to Work in Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine Areas
Stein has a permit to work in spotted lanternfly quarantine areas in Pennsylvania and Delaware. Tree Service Companies have to be trained in proper moving and disposal of materials to avoid spread of the spotted lanternfly and Stein has completed the training courses. Learn more.

Emerald Ash Borer Inspection
In the spring, destructive emerald ash borer (EAB) adult beetles begin to emerge. These invasive pests can destroy your ash trees. Our specialists are certified to treat for EAB in Pennsylvania and Delaware. For a free consultation, contact us today.