Spring Means The Return Of The Emerald Ash Borer In New York State

As yes, springtime. So many great things are associated with this time of the year. We're getting outside more, doing our annual spring cleaning, and putting winter away for another season.

And springtime is the time for something else. Something that is not welcome. And that is the Emerald Ash Borer. Yes, that invasive beetle from Asia is still around, threatening and killing New York State Ash trees.

According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, as adults these beetles can be identified as having a "shiny emerald green body with a coppery red or purple abdomen." They tend to be seen late in May through early September, but the NYS DEC states that the Emerald Ash Borer is most common in June and July.

How can you tell if a tree has been infected? The NYS DEC says to look for dieback, yellowing, and browning of leaves in the tree canopy. You may notice more activity around the tree from Woodpeckers.

If you find any trees that appear to be infected with the Emerald Ash Borer, the NYS DEC says that it is not necessary to take down the tree unless it appears that it could fall over and cause damage or injury.

Infestations of the Emerald Ash Borer have been identified in all New York State counties except for Essex, Hamilton, and Lewis according to the NYS DEC.

And remember this notice from the NYS DEC:

New York has a regulation to restrict the movement of firewood of any tree species to within 50 miles of its source or origin. If you must move ash wood that is not firewood, be sure to follow DEC's guidelines on moving ash wood responsibly. The firewood regulation remains unchanged and in effect despite the changing or lifting of any EAB quarantines. - NYS DEC

For more information on transporting firewood and/or the Emerald Ash Borer, visit the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.