Hello Gardeners, I’m Amanda McNulty with Clemson Extension and Making It Grow. People who live in areas with documented Emerald Ash Borer infestation can do their part to help slow the movement of these insects by watching for signs of damage in ash trees. By alerting local authorities, infested trees can be destroyed hopefully before the damaging larvae develop into adults and lay eggs in neighboring ash trees. Look for flagging – ends of twigs that have turned brown and are broken, hanging down in the canopy. Excessive woodpecker activity on a tree is also a sign as the birds are digging for the fat, juicy larvae who tunnel right under the bark. Another visual clue is D-shaped exist holes and numerous water sprouts, called epicormic shoots, from the base or trunk, the tree’s last gasp as it attempts to stay alive although its phloem layer has been destroyed by the tunneling larvae.
Signs of Ash Borer Infestation
