Emerald ash borer Québec
An Asian insect is devastating our ash trees — monitor yours!

Emerald ash borer: a pest to watch in Québec

The emerald ash borer has been causing severe damage in the Québec region since the early 2000s. To avoid having to remove all your trees, it is essential to rely on a specialist who can recognize the early signs of an infestation caused by this invasive Asian insect. If emerald ash borer is detected in an ash tree, tree removal is often recommended to help limit the spread and reduce damage. Do not let all your trees become victims of this destructive beetle.

Emerald ash borer is now present in Québec

When a tree is in the early stages of an emerald ash borer infestation, certain symptoms may appear. You may notice abnormal dieback at the top of your ash tree, with thinner foliage and branches falling at an unusually high rate. Lower on the trunk, you may also observe chewed leaves, as well as cracks or distinctive D-shaped holes in the bark. Even more noticeable are serpentine-shaped galleries that cause the bark to bulge; these are tunnels created by larvae as they feed. Increased woodpecker activity can also indicate the presence of emerald ash borer, as these birds feed on the young larvae.

Emerald ash borer Québec

If in doubt, we recommend contacting an Élagage SL Plus expert. Our team is trained to identify the presence of emerald ash borer. There are products designed to slow or stop the spread of the pest, but their effectiveness remains debated. A biopesticide such as TreeAzin can help protect a tree for at least two years. It is an eco-friendly option; however, even after treatment, beetles may survive, and tree removal often becomes the only reliable way to prevent the infestation from spreading to nearby trees.

Emerald ash borer Québec

Tree removal and tree pruning: solutions against emerald ash borer

In the case of a confirmed infestation, the chances of saving the tree are very low. It is sometimes possible to proceed with tree pruning — a drastic cut targeting the top and the most affected main branches. The specialists at Élagage SL Plus are fully trained to carry out such work safely.

In many cases, complete tree removal will be the preferred option. Although this is a last resort, it is sometimes necessary to protect surrounding ash trees. Please note that once tree removal is completed, the remains must not be used as firewood. We can dispose of them according to the recommendations of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to minimize the risk of further contamination.

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