The City of Summit is preparing for a possible infestation of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), an invasive beetle from Asia that has attacked and killed tens of millions of Ash trees. The beetle was first found in New Jersey in the spring of 2014 in Somerset County, and since then, has been caught in six counties throughout the state.
The City of Summit is urging homeowners to take steps to protect their trees and control the spread of the beetle. Treatment products are available at local retail establishments and state-certified pesticide applicators can treat for the EAB. Signs of an infestation include: canopy dieback beginning at the top of the tree and progressing through the year until the tree is bare; sprouts growing from the roots and trunk; split bark with an S-shaped indentation; D-shaped exit holes; and increased woodpecker activity, creating large holes as they extract the larvae. For more information on how to protect ash trees please visit www.emeraldashborer.nj.gov.
Officials identified firewood as a vehicle for movement of tree-killing forest pests including EAB and the Asian long-horned beetle. As a way to help control the spread of the beetle, the NJ Department of Agriculture recommends using locally-sourced firewood when burning it at home and when travelling, burn firewood where you buy it. Make sure to burn all wood purchased.
Residents are encouraged to report signs of the beetle to the Department of Agriculture at 609-406-6939.