(Photos) Removing infested ash trees in winter

Just because we are still in the midst of the Winter That Will Not End doesn't mean the battle against the emerald ash borer has been put on hold. Earlier this week a crew was chopping down and removing infested ash trees in Morton Grove, Illinois' St. Paul Woods.

In the center of this picture you'll one of the workers waving at me.

The EAB in an invasive beetle--it accidentally arrived in Michigan in packing materials that probably came from China.

The larva of the beetle feed on the inner bark of ash trees--eventually killing them. Millions of ash trees have perished in Canada and the United States because of this pest. Emerald ash borers only infest ash trees.

Emerald ash borers travel only about a half mile during their lifetime. Dispersal of firewood is the sole reason the bug has established itself over such a large area. This wood will soon be burned.

Very important: Don't move firewood!

Related post:

(Photos) A prescribed burn in progress

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