Oregon Ash Trees are in Danger

OREGON ASH TREES ARE IN DANGER

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a new invasive pest in the Pacific Northwest, first detected in 2022 in Forest Grove and just recently discovered in the Beaverton area. This insect is a destructive wood boring beetle native to Asia that was accidentally introduced in the U.S. in 2002. It is estimated to have killed over 100 million trees to date.

The photo below shows the quick decline and death of large mature trees infested by the Emerald Ash Borer in just 2 years.

Photos Courtesy Superintendent of Forestry Operation Chad Tinkel, City of Fort Wayne Indiana

How is this infestation different than some of the other wood boring beetles that we have seen in our area?

This pest primarily affects Ash trees, which are widely and commonly used throughout our landscapes.

The Emerald Ash Borer reproduces at a very rapid and exponential rate, leading to a quick decline and death of a tree after infection.

The tree canopy cover in our riparian zones is at risk. It is estimated that 70% of the canopy that covers our rivers, streams and lakes is comprised our native Oregon Ash Tree.

As landscape and property managers, we have a social responsibility to help slow the spread of this pest and protect our sensitive ecological areas.

We will send another newsletter this week with additional information on this pest and the steps that PLM is taking to tackle the infestation challenges.