Emerald Ash Borer Found in Cortlandt Tree, Area Under Quarantine

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Cortlandt, NY – Cortlandt Manor, and neighboring areas, are under Emerald Ash Borer quarantine per the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

A new Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) (Agrilus planipennis) infestation was recently uncovered at a Cortlandt Manor residence by Trevor G. Hall, an arborist with Bartlett Tree Experts in Elmsford. Hall promptly reported it, as required by law.

With the positive confirmation of this invasive insect, untreated ash trees within a 15-mile radius of detection are at high risk for infestation, Bartlett experts said.

To prevent further spread, the quarantine ruling prohibits the transport of wood to and from affected areas.

With camping season in full swing, it is important that those who travel within quarantined areas not transport firewood from campsites. Ideally, all remaining firewood should be burned before leaving the site.

Tree care, landscape management companies, and private citizens should always report EAB activity to the NY State EAB Hotline at 1-866-640-0652.

In all, 50 million ash trees in the U.S. have been destroyed since the beetle’s arrival here. First discovered in Michigan in 2002, the EAB is native to Asia and likely brought to the United States in wooden shipping pallets, Bartlett experts said.

The tiny iridescent emerald green beetle will destroy even the tallest, most majestic white, black or blue ash within two to four years of infestation, unless individual trees are treated.

In areas with a high density of host plants, the beetle spreads rapidly. Westchester County and New York City have some of the heaviest concentrations of ash trees in New York State, ranging from 13 to 20 percent of canopy coverage, making it especially important for homeowners to proactively have ash trees evaluated for infestation.

Female adult beetles, up to one-half inch in length, can lay more than 90 eggs in a tree’s bark. Larvae feed under the bark on cambial tissue, disrupting the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients. Adult beetles emerge in late spring and early summer, but by this time, larval populations have already done extensive damage, Bartlett experts said.

Symptoms of EAB infestation are notches on the margins of the leaves, bark splitting, serpentine galleries, “D” shaped exit holes, and increased woodpecker activity.

Contrary to popular belief, removal and burning of afflicted trees is not always necessary.

Hall says “EAB activity is not a death sentence for all ash trees. With prompt management, the most important trees can be saved…if the aggressive pests are detected early enough. Inspection and treatment are key, before infestation occurs.”