Ash trees in New York State are under serious threat after state authorities confirmed the presence of a destructive insect.

What happens?

An Asian ash beetle has been successfully captured in New York’s Adirondack Park, and researchers are trying to determine how far it has spread. As the Adirondack Explorer reported, the sighting in Essex County now means that only two counties, Lewis and Hamilton, in the state have not previously documented the beetle’s existence.

The invasive beetles, which originate from Asia and were first discovered in the U.S. in the early 2000s, are remarkably effective at killing ash trees. The larvae of the Asian ash beetle feed on the tree’s inner tissues and leave a D-shaped hole when they exit the tree after reaching maturity. According to the Adirondack Explorer, it can take two to four years for the ash tree to die.

Why is this worrying?

A further spread of the beetles could lead to the destruction of numerous ash trees.

“We’re disappointed,” Alice Halloran, who heads the Essex County Soil and Water Conservation District, told the Explorer. “This was probably inevitable. It’s all around us.”

Trees are vital for biodiversity. They provide habitat for diverse creatures, encourage pollinators, and provide shelter from the elements. They also play a large role in absorbing and storing carbon from the atmosphere that warms the planet, helping to slow the rise in global temperatures.

According to 8 Billion Trees, a single ash tree can absorb 22 kilograms of carbon dioxide annually and produce enough oxygen for two people to breathe daily.

If these bugs continue their destructive rampage, the American Lung Association says it could have serious consequences for a state that is home to a city that ranks 14th on the list of the nation’s most ozone-polluted cities.

What can you do against the Asian ash borer?

Signs of the Asian ash beetle in a tree include D-shaped holes, lighter colored tree trunks, dying leaves, and galleries (or squiggly lines) under the bark. The Department of Environmental Conservation is encouraging people to photograph sightings and email them to the department.

According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, trees can be treated with insecticides to prevent infestation. This is a drastic measure because some insecticides can contain harmful chemicals that can affect the growth of the plants.

While there are natural solutions – and these may even be better for smaller gardens – it is clear that drastic measures are needed to get the Asian ash borer problem under control.

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