What is the Emerald Ash Borer and where did it come from?
The emerald ash borer is an insect that bores into ash trees, ultimately killing the tree. It is believed to be originally introduced to the U.S. unintentionally via boat transport from Asia to shipyards in Michigan ports. In February of 2003, it was first found feeding on ash trees in northwest Ohio. It then traveled to other areas in firewood or hitch-hiking on vehicles (infestation is occurring in counties along 1-75). Will the borer harm trees other than the ash? The Emerald Ash Borer will bore into other hardwood trees. However, because the wood is too hard for the insect to live and complete a life cycle, damage is minimal. What does an Ash tree look like? The quickest way to identify an ash tree in this area is by the leaf formation. Ash trees have compound leaves, meaning they have multiple leaflets on a petiole (or small branch).
