4 Signs You Have an Emerald Ash Borer Infestation


Emerald ash borers are becoming a serious problem for Denver homeowners. Once they infest your trees, they can damage your trees beyond repair. The key to keeping your trees in good condition and helping them recover from an infestation lies in notifying your tree health care team as soon as you notice the problem, but to do that, you need to know what to look for. Here are a few of the most common signs of an emerald ash borer infestation that you’ll want to watch for.

1. Splits in the Bark
One of the easiest symptoms to watch for is changing bark conditions on your tree. As the ash borers burrow into your tree, they can damage the bark. Often, this damage will show up as splits and cracks penetrating deep into the tree. Walk around the ash trees on your property and check for splits in the bark from the base of the tree all the way up to the canopy. If you see any new splits that weren’t there the previous year, it’s time to call an experienced tree care company for a formal inspection.

2. Dying Crown
Emerald ash borers can cause your tree’s growth to fade or stop entirely and the easiest place to spot the damage is in the crown of the tree. Look at the way the leaves and branches look toward the top of the tree. If you notice dying growth or see leaves dropping well before autumn, it may be the result of an emerald ash borer infestation. Your tree care team will be able to further assess your tree’s health and identify the underlying cause. 

3. New Growth Low on the Tree
When trees are stressed by emerald ash borers, they often start growing new limbs in undamaged places along the trunk. If you notice new growth popping up where it normally doesn’t (typically close to the base of the tree), it may be a sign of emerald ash borer infestation. Keep in mind that the new growth may be the result of another type of insect or disease hurting your tree, so it’s best to get it checked out by a professional.

4. Increased Woodpecker Activity
Woodpeckers actively look for larvae and bugs to eat and, when your tree is dealing with an emerald ash borer infestation, it’s normal to see an increase in the number of woodpeckers hanging around your yard. Think about how often you see these birds and consider which trees they frequent in your yard. If they’re going to your ash trees over and over again, you may have an ash borer infestation. 

Watch for These Signs of Emerald Ash Borer Infestations
The sooner you can deal with an emerald ash borer infestation, the easier it will be to isolate and treat. If you notice even one of these signs, don’t ignore it. Contact the team at Root Tree Service and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Our crew will be able to inspect your tree and help you figure out how to manage the infestation. 
 
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