The Invasive Emerald Ash Borer Spotted In Philadelphia, Deadly To Ash Trees

The green jewel beetle known as emerald ash borer has arrived in Philadelphia. This half-inch-long insect had destroyed over 100 million ash trees in Detroit in 2002. Currently, it is spotted in Philadelphia and threatens the ash trees of the city.

According to Philly, the insect was seen in Fox Chase Farm and Pennypack near Welsh Road. Curtis Helm, the project manager for the Parks and Recreation Department's urban forestry and ecosystem management division said that they doubted that the ash borers have been in the city for a while. On the other hand, this is the first physical proof found. Helm added unless steps are taken, the city will lose a greater quantity of its ash trees in the next five to 10 years. There are about 200,000 ash trees in Philadelphia. These include 600 ash trees on city trees.

The adult emerald ash borer laid eggs on open-grown or stressed ash. The trees are damaged because of larval feeding. The larvae disorder the flow of nutrients and water thus resulting in killing the ash tree. It will no longer transport enough water and nutrients to the leaves to survive.

Philadelphia is having preventative measures against the emerald ash borer. They are taking steps on how to deal with the pest and mapping the location of all ash trees in the city. They protected the ash trees that were healthy and removed those that were infested. Currently, the Parks and Recreation removed 600 trees and treated more than 1,200 ash trees.

Donald Eggen, chief of the forest health division said that they have seen other areas get decimated by this insect and Philadelphia has excelled at planning ahead. The officials advise the residents to locate ash trees on their properties and consult an arborist to know if the trees are infested by the insect.