What Are the Signs of Emerald Ash Borer Damage? Insights from a Tree Care Company in Highland Park, Illinois

It’s not easy to see emerald ash borer damage in the very early stages of infestation. This is one of the main reasons why this invasive pest has caused so much devastation throughout the Midwest.

Emerald ash borer larvae tunnel beneath the bark and feed on the tissue that moves water and nutrients through your tree in the early stages of infestation. This damage slowly weakens your tree from the inside out. The internal damage can already be widespread and much harder to reverse by the time you notice changes on the outside.

Emerald ash borer symptoms in Illinois tend to follow predictable patterns. Below, this tree care company in Highland Park, Illinois is going to explain some of the most common signs that you should watch for when monitoring your ash trees.

1. A thinning canopy

You generally notice these symptoms first when you look at an ash tree from a distance.

Crown thinning usually starts at the very top of your tree because that is where stress shows first. The smaller branches in the upper canopy die back before larger limbs are affected. The dieback gradually moves downward through your tree as the infestation progresses. This gives the canopy a thin and patchy look.

You may also notice fewer leaves overall and the ones that remain can be noticeably smaller. Because your tree can no longer move water and nutrients efficiently, the foliage may not develop normally. Leaves can look wilted or discolored in more advanced stages and the canopy can appear almost transparent compared to a healthy ash tree.

2. Trunk sprouts and suckers

Extreme internal damage triggers shoots, or suckers, as your tree’s natural stress response. It’s best to contact a professional tree care company in Highland Park, Illinois at the first sign of these shoots.

As larvae feed under the bark, they disrupt your tree’s internal systems. Your tree responds by pushing out new growth in unusual places along the trunk or main branches.

These shoots usually form below areas of internal injury and are easy for you to see. But they can also appear near the base of your tree or even from the roots.

3. Holes and cracks in the bark

A closer inspection at your tree’s trunk can reveal some of the most telling physical evidence of emerald ash borer activity.

Adult emerald ash borers leave behind distinctive D-shaped exit holes in the bark when they emerge. These holes are small, about 1/8 inch wide. But they are a convincing sign of an active or past infestation.

You may also notice vertical cracks in the bark. These cracks usually form directly above the winding tunnels that larvae create under the surface. While bark splitting can happen for other reasons, you should always evaluate it alongside other signs.

Sections of bark can loosen or fall away entirely as damage increases. You may be able to see the serpentine galleries that larvae carve just under the bark when this happens. This is a clear sign of advanced infestation.

4. Woodpecker activity

In Illinois, woodpecker activity is one of the most common signs that emerald ash borers are present. These birds are attracted to ash trees because the larvae make an easy meal. As woodpeckers repeatedly peck through the bark to reach the insects, they leave behind bark pieces and wood chips on the ground around your tree.

Heavy feeding knocks pieces of the outer bark off your tree. This exposes the lighter-colored inner bark underneath and creates a blond or tan appearance on the tree’s surface. This is called “blonding.” Blonding tends to be most visible higher in your tree. After all, emerald ash borer infestations generally start in these upper areas before spreading downward.

If you see any of these signs, you should reach out to a qualified tree care company in Highland Park, Illinois as soon as possible.

Looking for a tree care company in Highland Park, Illinois?

Are you worried about the health and long-term survival of your ash trees? If so, and if you are ready to work with the best tree care company in Highland Park, Illinois, Brown Tree Service, Inc. is the top choice. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.