Did you know that there are more than 14 billion trees in Minnesota? They stretch across millions of acres, covering around 30 percent of the state. There are many varieties, and all types are found found in vast forests as well as in urban environments. All of this to say that trees are an important part of our state’s landscape – perhaps even more important than our 10,000 lakes – and should avoid taking them for granted.
That’s why it’s so important to be on the lookout for invasive species that hurt Minnesota’s trees. One, the emerald ash borer, has been plaguing Minnesota ash trees since it was first spotted in our state in 2009. If you have an ash tree on your property – or you just want to be on the lookout for this invasive creature – read on below to learn more.
The emerald ash borer is a beetle species native to northeastern Asia. These metallic green beetles were first discovered in North America in 2002, and they were first found in Minnesota in 2009.
Chesapeake Bay Program/Flickr
To date, the beetles have been found in 31 counties in Minnesota. They are concentrated in southern Minnesota - every county in the Twin Cities metro is affected - but they also infest northern Minnesota cities such as Duluth, where they were first found in 2015.
Tom Murray/Flickr
What makes these insects so bad? Their larvae are found below the bark of ash trees. They eat away at the bark, boring into the tree. In time, this damages the tree’s ability to get the water and nutrients it needs to stay healthy. Since their arrival, beetles have killed millions of ash trees across the United States.
Albert Sun/Flickr
Because their damage happens under the surface, it can be hard to recognize whether a tree is affected. Woodpeckers are a common clue. They peck at trees for insects, so if you spot one pecking at an ash tree, it could indicate that the tree is full of emerald ash borers.
Mark Moschell/Flickr
Some ash tree canopies thin when they are infested. Others sprout many new branches around the base of the trunk, something trees may do when they are stressed. There may also be D-shaped holes in the trunk where the borers exit. And you may spot the distinctive green beetles themselves.
Anna Hesser/Flickr
Because there are around 1 billion ash trees in Minnesota, our state is particularly vulnerable to emerald ash borers. Many trees have already fallen to these invaders. If you have a healthy ash tree, it is recommended that you treat it for emerald ash borers. If this is not possible, another option is to have the tree removed.
MJI Photos/Flickr
Infestation can be costly, and infested trees will need to be removed anyway. They quickly become unstable once the damage has gone too far, and they could cause significant property damage if allowed to stay.
City of Boulder/Flickr
Not only can the trees themselves cause damage, but the lack of trees can disrupt ecosystems. Many species rely on the ash tree, so the beetle’s presence in Minnesota has the potential to change Minnesota’s landscape as we know it.
Chesapeake Bay Program/Flickr
If you have an ash tree, treat it. If not, be on the lookout for the invasive emerald ash borer. Look for signs in ash trees, and avoid transporting ash materials such as firewood into infected counties.
Pacific Southwest Forest Service, USDA/Flickr
Have you heard of the emerald ash borer? Let us know in the comments! And if you’re curious about invaders in Minnesota’s waterways, check our our past article about invasive zebra mussels.
Chesapeake Bay Program/Flickr
Tom Murray/Flickr
Albert Sun/Flickr
Mark Moschell/Flickr
Anna Hesser/Flickr
MJI Photos/Flickr
City of Boulder/Flickr
Pacific Southwest Forest Service, USDA/Flickr
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