As you may know, one of the largest threats to trees in North America is the Emerald Ash Borer which is an invasive beetle from Asia. All Ash trees in New York State are at risk.

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The Emerald Ash Borer was first discovered in 2009 and has spread to every county in New York State except Essex, Hamilton, and Lewis counties as of summer 2022 according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. It takes only 2 to 4 years of a tree being infected to die.

You may have these trees on your property. To identify these trees, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has these tips for identification:

  • Branches, leaves, and buds are directly opposite from one another rather than staggered.
  • Each leaf is a compound, made up of 5-11 leaflets.
  • Bark has a distinct pattern of diamond-shaped ridges, although the bark on smaller ash trees is often smoother.

According to the Purdue University of Forestry and Natural Resources, dead Ash trees are brittle and will break easily. Falling branches are dangerous, and even a light wind could be enough to make them break and fall.

The recommendation is to have a professional come in and remove any dead Ash trees on your property. The Purdue University of Forestry and Natural Resources, states that some may hesitate to have them removed due to the fact that these trees can be a habitat for animals, but the best course of action is to have the tree(s) taken down unless there is a guarantee that no people, domesticated animals or property are in their path, should they fall.

There is much more to know about the Emerald Ash Borer from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation with recommendations and resources for treatment, guidance, and how you can help.

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