Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) was first discovered in the United States in Michigan in 2002. Most experts believe it was actually introduced to the United States in the 1990s. This pest most likely came from Asia on infected ash wood used in shipping pallets.
Since then, it has spread from the east to the west, causing death and destruction to North American Ash trees. Rigging a tree that has been infected by EAB can put the climber at risk as well. As with all climbing done, the climber must do a tree analysis to determine the safety of climbing that tree. A tree killed by EAB is greatly affected by the condition the tree is left in. EAB will generally kill a tree in two to five years. The larvae tunnel up and down the bark, feeding on the xylem and phloem. This disrupts the nutrient flow to the tree and deprives the tree of a necessary food source, leading to a fast decline and death.
Once this happens, the transpiration cycle stops within the tree. The structural integrity breaks down quickly and can leave a tree very brittle. It can appear to be hard, and even if you do a pre-climb inspection, the condition can be quite the opposite. The tree may appear solid when in fact, it is not. Knowing the species of the tree and the history of EAB, and having someone with a lot of experience, can make the climb safer than if those factors are not present. Using an aerial lift is the best way to approach an Ash tree infected with EAB. Our new bucket truck is perfect for just this type of situation! We are able to diagnose and safely remove trees that have been affected by EAB.