By Alby Thoumsin

In 2002 in Michigan, many ash ( Fraxinus sp. ) trees started to show obvious signs of decline, and after careful inspections, arborists and biologists soon discovered a pest unknown to the U.S. as the emerald ash borer ( Agrilus planipennis) . The origin of the introduction of the insect on this continent was very likely shipping wood crates infested with larvae and pupae that hatched and dispersed in the state.

The adult insects emerge newly hatched from pupae in late spring and summer and then look for ash trees to lay their eggs inside crevices of the bark. The larvae emerge and feed on the phloem of the tree, disrupting the flow of water and nutrients, leading to eventual death.

In Michigan, within a few years, millions of ash trees died and had to be removed. T

See Full Page