The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) which has been devastating to ash trees in Michigan has now been found in three sites in the Chicago area (one site in Kane County and 2 sites in Cook County, Wilmette and Evanston). The Illinois Department of Agriculture is calling upon citizens to check their ash trees and report trees that appear to have the beetle.
This is certainly a time for all of us to be alert, but we must not panic. Let's go into this fully informed of the facts so that we can determine whether or not a tree has been infested by the EAB.
Here are some useful facts to help with that determination.
EAB attacks ash trees. If your trees are not ash, they are not infested with this pest.
There are many other green beetles in nature. Just because you see a green beetle, does not mean it is the EAB. If you see a green beetle, try to capture it, so it can be properly identified.
Ash trees suffer from other problems including diseases, root damage and environmental stress. An ash that looks unhealthy may be suffering from one of these problems.
There is a native ash borer in the Midwest already (a totally different insect that does far less damage). If you see holes in the trunk of your ash tree, it may be this pest, rather than the EAB.
The EAB makes a hole shaped like a capital 'D' (flat on one side, rounded on the other) and is 1/8 inch in diameter. The native ash borer makes a ROUND TO OVAL hole that is ¼ inch in diameter.
EAB does a great deal of damage to a tree in a relatively short time (about 2 years). This damage includes dieback in the top of the tree, sprouting of new branches on the lower portion of the tree, and splitting of the bark. Ash trees infested with the native ash borer may have the insect for years and show relatively little damage. This damage often looks like a gradual decline of the tree.
If you feel you have a tree infested with EAB, call your local University of Illinois Extension office for help. Extension offices are working with the public to determine if a tree is infested or not. This will entail an Extension staff person or a Master Gardener talking to a homeowner about what they are seeing on the tree. Homeowners need to inspect trees carefully and give accurate information about what they observe.
From the information given, the Extension office will determine if the damage reflects infestation by the EAB or another problem. If it seems that EAB is a real possibility, the Extension office will try to confirm this (either through inspection of samples brought to the office by the homeowner or a visual inspection of the tree itself).
With the vast number of ash trees in the state, it is impossible for Extension or Department of Agriculture staff to inspect every one. The system outlined above will help sort out possible EAB infestations from other problems found on ash trees. This way we can focus on the trees that have the greatest potential to truly be infested with the EAB. We need and appreciate your help.
Lessons from Yesterday and Today Help Us Plan for Tomorrow
Several decades ago, Dutch Elm Disease came to this country and killed huge numbers of American Elms. Now the Emerald Ash Borer is killing huge numbers of ash trees in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. It has now been found in Illinois.
These pests are serious problems in and of themselves. Our planting practices, however, have served to magnify the damage caused by these pests. We tend to over plant certain species of trees. Dutch Elm Disease ran rampant because American Elm trees were everywhere! We set the banquet table for the disease. Ashes are planted in great abundance and now we have the potential for easy spread of the Emerald Ash Borer. Many neighborhoods are full of lindens or honeylocusts. We tend to see a number of problems on these species, due to this over planting.
We need to heed the lessons of the past and diversify our plantings. How many neighborhoods have you seen where every house has the same kind of tree? This can lead to increased incidence of disease and insect problems.
If you are planning to plant a new tree, look around and see what your neighbors have in their yards. Then plant something different!
If you need to plant several trees on your property, don't plant all the same kind. Plant different species of trees and then if some future problem arises, you are less likely to lose all your trees at one time.
Spring-flowering bulbs are hardy bulbs that need a cold period during winter in order to bloom in the spring. These bulbs are planted in autumn (approximately mid-September to mid-October). They develop roots in the fall and produce shoots and flowers in the spring.
Purchasing quality bulbs will help insure good bloom. Consider the size and firmness of the bulbs. Undersize bulbs may produce small flowers. Bulbs should also be firm. Any soft areas or spots may indicate the presence of disease. Some bulbs are colored and this is normal. Avoid those with spots that do not match the rest of the bulb's color.
Spring-flowering bulbs are best planted between mid-September and mid-October. Timing will vary a bit each year, depending on the weather. It is important that the soil is still warm enough to encourage rooting of the newly planted bulbs. Root development will continue as long as the soil temperature is about 45 degrees F or higher.
Proper planting depth is important. Bulbs vary in their size and thus in their planting depth. A good rule of thumb is to plant two to three times as deep as the bulb is tall. This depth should be measured from the bottom of the bulb to the surface of the soil.
Bulbs will perform best when the soil is properly prepared. Bulbs require good drainage. Soils that do not drain well may lead to rot or poor performance.
Newly planted bulbs should be watered to encourage root development. Regular watering should continue as long as the soil is not frozen.
Garden Tidbit
Plan to add some color to your fall garden with plants like pansies and ornamental kale, that love cool temperatures. These plants will be available in many garden centers in late summer.
