Is Emerald Ash Borer Coming to My Woods?
The unfortunate answer is yes, and fast!
Emerald Ash Borer: A Forest Destroyer
The Ohio DNR estimates there are more than 250 million Ash trees still growing naturally throughout Ohio’s forests. They are also planted ornamentally in the Urban forests throughout the state. Although down from over a billion just a few years ago, the Emerald Ash Borer is the invasive species to blame for the losses.
After its introduction from Asia in the 1990s, Emerald Ash Borer has spread steadily from Michigan to Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and beyond. This foreign species attacks all four of Ohio’s Ash tree varieties. It multiplies aggressively. The sad truth is that Emerald Ash Borer can decimate a region’s ash tree population within just 11 years of its arrival.
The Impact of This Invasive Ash Pest
While there are options for treating a limited number of trees, on a forest-wide scale treatment is impractical. Most timber owners have opted to harvest their ash timber stands before the borer destroys their commercial value entirely. When faced with total Ash population destruction, we advise our customers to implement a cut and reforestation strategy.
This kind of plan captures the full value of the ash stand for customers before the borer causes significant damage. It also promotes healthy forest regrowth. As the borer moves throughout the central Ohio forests, it is important to act soon. Ash trees left in its path are killed and left with no commercial value.
How to Identify an Invasive Ash Pest Infestation
Early detection is crucial when dealing with Emerald Ash Borer. Look for D-shaped exit holes in the bark. S-shaped feeding galleries under the bark, unusual woodpecker activity, and crown dieback starting at the top of the tree are other signs. Trees with 30% or more canopy loss are unlikely to respond well to treatment.
Act Now to Protect Your Investment
If you own woodland with ash trees, time is of the essence. Professional forestry consultation can help determine the best course of action for your specific situation. Whether it’s selective treatment of high-value specimens or a comprehensive harvest and replanting strategy, developing a plan now can save your forest’s economic and ecological value for the future.
Don’t wait until the Emerald Ash Borer arrives—by then, it may be too late to salvage the timber value of your ash trees. Contact a forestry professional today to assess your woods and develop a proactive management plan.
Contact Ohio Timber Works today for a free assessment of your woods.
Click here to learn more about the forest management services offered by Ohio Timber Works.
For more information on Emerald Ash Borer, visit the information page at the Ohio DNR website.