Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a fast-moving invasive pest that devastates ash trees, and it was first discovered in New Jersey in May 2014, specifically in Somerset County. Since 2002, EAB infestations have killed millions of ash trees across the U.S. and Canada. According to the USDA, the environmental impact of EAB and other invasive species may rival or even surpass that of global warming.

How EAB Spreads

EAB is often spread through firewood from ash trees. Because larvae feed beneath the bark, identifying infested wood by appearance alone is difficult. A mature EAB has a short lifespan, so reproduction is a top priority. With the ability to fly, EAB quickly spreads to nearby ash trees, and a single adult can lay hundreds of eggs on the bark.

The larvae consume the tree’s cambium, the layer responsible for nutrient transport, which eventually kills the tree. Once infested, an ash tree in Princeton, NJ, will die within two to three years, showing signs such as thinning of the canopy, eventually leading to complete canopy loss.

Monitoring Ash Trees for EAB in Princeton, NJ

At All Fair Tree Service, we recommend monitoring for signs of EAB. One of the first signs is eggs laid on the bark. After hatching, larvae burrow beneath the bark, carving out distinctive S-shaped tunnels. These tunnels disrupt the tree’s nutrient flow, leading to its decline.

If you suspect your ash tree in Princeton, NJ, is affected, contact All Fair Tree Service for expert tree removal and tree care. Early detection and treatment are crucial in managing this pest and protecting your trees.