Post date: Jun 30, 2011 9:38:57 PM
Project to help manage infestation of ash borer, minimize damage to trees
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – The Maryland Emerald Ash Borer Project (EAB), conducted by the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), is now operating in Howard County after a recent discovery of the emerald ash borer in residential areas. Since 2003, MDA has been working to monitor and quarantine affected areas which previously included Prince George’s and Charles counties.
The emerald ash borer is a serious, exotic, invasive insect that feeds on and kills ash trees; however, the insect is not harmful to humans. Ash trees are the most common type of landscaping tree used in the United States and to western Maryland forests. The emerald ash borer can cause significant damage to ash trees, particularly in one to three years after infestation.
After the confirmation of the first emerald ash borer in Howard County, the State has expanded its ash wood quarantine zone to now include all of Prince George’s, Charles and Howard counties. Residents and businesses, including nurseries and plant dealers, are advised that it is a quarantine violation to remove any regulated ash wood or any hardwood firewood out of the county. Movement of infested wood is one of the primary ways the emerald ash borer is spread to new areas. Regulated ash wood includes whole trees, logs, stumps, roots and branches. Survey crews identifiable by the lettering “EAB” on their clothing and/or vehicles will be evaluating the situation.
Signs of the emerald ash borer infestation include death of twigs and branches at the treetops, discolored leaves, water sprouts and D-shaped holes in the bark where the larvae emerge. Residents who spot signs of infestation on their ash trees are asked to contact MDA at 410-841-5920.
For more information on the surveying activities or the status of the quarantine in Maryland, please visit www.mda.state.md.us/plants-pests/eab, or contact MDA at 410-841-5920.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
http://www.mda.state.mn.us/news/publications/ext/ashtreeid.pdf Identify ash trees
http://www.exnet.iastate.edu/pages/tree/ashes.html Identify ash trees
http://www.naturalresources.umd.edu/YourWoodlandThreatsEAB.html UMD Resource page