The U.S. Forestry Service is helping home and landowners keep a watchful and protective eye on our treasured Kentucky trees and woodlands.
Chris Joyner with the USDA Forestry Service says when it comes to disease and infestation, some of the same methods they utilize, can and should be implemented in our yards and woodlands at home. As we head outdoors for our annual spring yard maintenance, Joyner says tree health literally starts from the ground up.
One tree killer we hear a lot about is the Ash Borer. Chris Joyner says they do a lot of damage every year to forests and can make your yard a danger zone for your home and family.
Officials say too many times new infestations began when people, unknowingly, move infested ash trees from nurseries, logs, or firewood to other non-infested areas. Joyner says identification is key and most of the time just requires looking up.
UK’s Entomology Division says telltale wood-boring larvae signs include: bark holes, some with sawdust coming from the holes, appearing anywhere on the trunk. The flying, adult borers emerge from inside the tree from small “D” shape exit holes and lay their eggs in cracks of bark or at the base of trees. When these larvae hatch, they work their way into the tree, tunneling behind the bark leaving “S” shaped tunnels. This activity doesn’t allow water or nutrients to pass the paths, and eventually, this will cause large sections or the entire tree to die. Even an increase in woodpecker activity is a sign of EAB infestations since the birds like to feed on larvae just under the bark. Joiner says making sure what infestation you have is important when it comes to remediation.
According to UK’s Entomology Division, EAB adults, which were locally confirmed in our area as close as Crittenden County, are capable of flying 1/2 mile or more per day, but most spread from newly established sites and seem to cover distances in the range of 100 yards. Joyner says there are a few ways the Forestry Service uses to fight them.
Joyner says the weakening of the tree and its branches, not only creates an obvious hazard for your family and structures, but it could even keep firefighters from getting into areas where they are needed due to the infestation.
Joiner reminds home and landowners, don’t allow the soil to pile up around your trees, and watch closely as your trees leaf out. Also, look and watch for signs of infestation such as tunnels, sawdust, and woodpeckers on the tree. Clear out leaves, brush and yard waste from around your yard. Buy firewood where you burn it. Most importantly, call a professional to take the steps necessary to keep your family and your home and land safely.
Kentucky residents can report suspected infestations to the Office of the State Entomologist or your local Cooperative Extension Office. In Caldwell County, that number is (270) 365-2787 to request a visit, or to submit a sample for confirmation.
