How does Oak Wilt occur? The oak wilt fungus moves from tree to tree in two ways: underground through the roots or overland by insect vectors. Local Spread of Oak Wilt: Most new tree infections occur as a result of the fungus moving from an infected tree to a nearby healthy tree through connected root systems. The roots of trees in each oak group commonly graft to roots of other trees in the same group, forming a continuous underground network.
Why should you deep root fertilize your valuable signature trees and shrubs? -Provides nutrients to your trees which may have been exhausted -Increase color and vigor of your trees -Increase growth of young or transplanted trees (it is not recommended to fertilize newly planted trees for the first year after planting) -Increase winter hardiness and longevity -Increase resistance to insect and disease -Provides aeration to the soil around the target trees -Trees and shrubs surrounding the target trees also receive beneficial nutrients
Where did the emerald ash borer come from? The natural range of Agrilus planipennis, or the emerald ash borer, is eastern Russia, northern China, Japan, and Korea. Before June of 2002, it had never been found in North America.
How did the Emerald Ash Borer get here? We don't know for sure, but it most likely came in ash wood used for stabilizing cargo in ships or for packing or crating heavy consumer products.
What types of trees does the emerald ash borer attack? In North America, it has only been found in ash trees. Trees in woodlots as well as landscaped areas are affected. Larval galleries have been found in trees or branches measuring as little as 1-inch in diameter. All species of North American ash appear to be susceptible.
Where has the Emerald Ash Borer been found? In 2002, EAB was thought to occur in six counties in southeastern Michigan: Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne, and in Essex County Ontario. Our ability to detect and find EAB has substantially improved since then, however, and we now realize that a much greater area was infested than what was initially thought. Now there are only three counties in Michigan where EAB has not been detected. It has also been found in Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, Wisconsin, Missouri, Maryland, Ontario, and Quebec, making EAB an international pest problem. Most of these infestations are not new (i.e., EAB has not spread this far in the past 5 years). We are simply getting better at finding infestations as survey methods improve. However, it is important to watch for signs and symptoms of EAB in non-quarantine areas where the beetle may have been accidentally transported in ash firewood.
What happens to Emerald Ash Borer infested ash trees? The canopy of infested trees begins to thin above infested portions of the trunk and major branches because the borer destroys the water and nutrient conducting tissues under the bark. Heavily infested trees exhibit canopy die-back usually starting at the top of the tree. One-third to one-half of the branches may die in one year. Most of the canopy will be dead within 2 years of when symptoms are first observed. Sometimes ash trees push out sprouts from the trunk after the upper portions of the tree dies. Although difficult to see, the adult beetles leave a "D"-shaped exit hole in the bark, roughly 1/8 inch in diameter, when they emerge in June.
Why Hire an Arborist? An arborist is a specialist in the care of individual trees. Arborists are knowledgeable about the needs of trees and are trained and equipped to provide proper care. Hiring an arborist is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Proper tree care is an investment that can lead to substantial returns. Well-cared-for trees are attractive and can add considerable value to your property. Poorly maintained trees can be a significant liability. Pruning or removing trees, especially large trees, can be dangerous work. Tree work should be done only by those trained and equipped to work safely in trees.
What if I need some more Tree information? www.isa-arbor.com www.treesaregood.com www.mocommunitytrees.com www.forestkeepers.org www.arborday.org www.mdc.mo.gov
