Ash trees across Pennsylvania are dying because of an invasive pest, and understanding how this spread began explains why the damage is now so severe.
Since 2002, the state’s native ash population has faced a devastating attack that started slowly in North America but has since reached western Pennsylvania with alarming results.
Once one of the most common trees in the region, many ash trees are now rotting from the inside out, leaving entire landscapes visibly scarred.
These trees can be found pretty much anywhere, from our backyard to the vocational forest trails in state parks.
According to Lehigh Valley Live, over 100 million ash trees across the region, including the Lehigh Valley, where they are extremely popular, have been rotted out by a new, invasive insect.
The invasive insect, the emerald ash borer, holds the key to all this destruction and should be on the radar of all residents who own or are near ash trees.
How do these insects function and what should Pennsylvania residents know when dealing with emerald ash borers?
What is an Emerald Ash Borer?
Sitting at about a half-inch long, the metallic green beetle isn’t much to turn heads. The emerald ash borer is an invasive insect that appeared around 2002 in North America. Now, it’s found in every county of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
While the bug itself isn’t harmful directly to humans or animals, it can do quite a bit of damage to the ecosystem simply by laying their eggs. In fact, their larvae are the main reason our ash trees are in danger.
What Harm Can the Emerald Ash Borer Do?
As their name suggests, this invasive insect exclusively feeds on ash trees. They lay their larvae under the bark, and the tiny insects feed beneath the surface.
This process kills most trees within three to five years after infestation. While this may not seem like a much of a problem since ash trees are so common, the emerald ash borer aims for this type of tree exclusively.
In addition to the larvae chewing away at the ash trees from the inside, the adults make a meal out of the leaves. After the larva has had its fill and matured, it emerges in the spring.
The size of the tree does not matter. While ash trees tend to be larger and live long lives, these insects cut that lifespan down to size.
Unfortunately, ash trees provide a habitat and food for other local bird species, mammals, and other insects. Of course, if you have ash trees in your backyard, these insects can possibly invade them, making the dying tree a dangerous issue for your home and family.
Signs of an Emerald Ash Borer infestation
If you have ash trees on your property or spot any while on a walk around your neighborhood, there are a few things to keep an eye out for. The following signs may appear if a tree is infested with emerald ash borers.
- Upper crown dieback
- Epicormic branching
- The bark is beginning to split or flake
- Trees have become a draw to woodpeckers
- D-shaped adult beetle exit holes
- S-shaped holes beneath the bark
If you notice any of these signs, you may have to take steps to protect your home and property. In fact, there are a few things you can do to stop this pest from spreading to other trees and causing more devastation.
How Can You Help Stop the Spread?
If you haven’t spotted any issues in your trees, don’t breathe a sigh of relief just yet. It may only be a matter of time.
While there are some treatments available, the most effective treatments are applied by certified pest control experts.
There are several different options, from topical to internal, but you should only treat healthy ash trees. From there, you can keep an eye on any trees you have on or near your property and look for signs of infestation. Take extra care when trimming and caring for your trees.
If you can’t afford to have your trees treated, make sure to perform frequent maintenance on them. Cut any loose limbs and branches, and keep an eye on the trunk for any possible flaking or cracking. If you do have any infested trees, you should remove the tree as soon as possible.
Also, if you want to help keep ash trees alive, you can do your part by planting more. As experts rush to battle this invasive species, hopefully, the ash tree will make a comeback in the years to come.
Prevention Tips for Homeowners in the Lehigh Valley
If you live in the Lehigh Valley and want to protect your ash trees, here are a few important steps to follow:
- Do not transport firewood – Moving infested wood spreads the beetle quickly across counties.
- Inspect trees regularly – Check bark, branches, and crowns at least twice a year.
- Treat healthy ash trees – Contact a certified arborist or pest control company for systemic insecticides or trunk injections.
- Remove infested trees promptly – Prevent falling hazards and stop beetles from spreading.
- Plant tree diversity – Mix species in your yard or community to reduce the risk of widespread devastation.
If you have noticed a recent die-off in ash trees in your area, you aren’t alone. We must do our part to stop the emerald ash borer and revive the ash tree population.
With combined efforts, the best way we can help these trees is by keeping an eye on trees in our area and treating the healthy ones we have left. If you suspect you may have infected trees or want to protect the trees you have, don’t hesitate to contact a pest control expert.
FAQs
Is the emerald ash borer in the Lehigh Valley?
Yes. The insect has spread across Pennsylvania, including the Lehigh Valley. This means that ash trees in Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, and surrounding areas are at serious risk.
How fast does the emerald ash borer kill a tree?
Most infested ash trees die within three to five years. Smaller trees may die even faster.
Can emerald ash borer infest other trees?
No. The emerald ash borer exclusively targets ash trees, but its destruction can still impact other tree species by disrupting ecosystems.
What should I do if my ash tree is already infested?
If you notice signs of infestation, contact a tree care or pest control professional immediately. In many cases, infested trees must be removed before they become hazardous.