Emerald Ash Borer - TreeAzin Treatment

The Emerald Ash Borer is a beetle of the buprestid family. It is usually 7.5 to 15mm at maturity and has a bright green back. However, at its last larva stage, the latter is between 26 and 32mm in length. Prepupae can tolerate temperatures of -30 degrees Celsius thanks to their production of antifreeze compounds. The temperature under the bark where the prepupae spend the winter is often higher than the temperature of the air. The combination of these two factors ensures that the Emerald Ash Borer survives where ash occurs naturally.

Towards the end of May, beginning of June, the Emerald Ash Borer emerges out of their nest. Their exit hole is recognizable by its characteristic D shape. Generally, the insect will spend the next 2 weeks eating the foliage before mating. Males recognize females by pheromones. Once mated, the female will lay eggs under a strip of bark. These eggs usually measure from 0.6 to 1mm. The incubation usually lasts from 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the temperature. The neonate larva will pierce the underside of its egg to infiltrate the cambium of the tree. This is where the larva will feed as it grows to become a prepupae. It is at this stage of development that the larva can tolerate extreme cold and hibernate. Generally, the majority of prepupae take only one year to reach maturity, hence in the spring. In some cases, about 20-30%, prepupae will become nymphs only after 2 years. The colder the climate, the slower the development of the Emerald Ash Borer. Afterwards, the nymph will complete her transformation and become an adult and will come out of the tree to mate. Such is the cycle of the Emerald Ash Borer.

TreeAzin is a bio-pesticide of natural origin. The product was developed following the partnership of the Canadian Forest Service and the firm BioForest Technologies. The Neem tree is a tropical tree that is mostly used for its medicinal and insecticidal properties. The active ingredient in TreeAzin is azadirachtin, which is extracted from the Neem seed oil. This product is used systemically, which means that it is introduced directly into the trunk by small cavities. The product is subsequently introduced naturally into the sap cycle of the tree. TreeAzin received its permanent registration from the Pest Management Regulatory Agency in 2013 but was used with temporary registration in 2011 and 2012.

The Emerald Ash Borer feeds on the cambium part of the tree (the section between the bark and the heart of the tree). TreeAzin has the effect, once ingested by the prepupae, to limit the growth of the insect, inhibit the reproduction of the insect and reduce the appetite of the insect. In addition, if TreeAzin is ingested, the viability of eggs and larvae is highly compromised.

Above all, the treated tree must meet the selection criteria. Trees must not have declined more than 30% in the crown. The treatment can be used to combat the Emerald Ash Borer already present in the tree but the treatment is much more effective in the prevention of low level infestation. A health assessment is done beforehand. Our arborists will know how to determine the degree of infestation. In any case, we will be able to guide you either for the treatment of your tree or the felling of the latter in the case of major infestation.

On June 25, 2018, the City of Montreal will launch a new way of proceeding regarding the issuance of grants. They will give an amount of $ 4 per centimeter of breast height diameter (DHH) per ash, for a maximum of $ 4000 allocated per 2 year period! Our professional team manages the grant application for you and will be paid directly by the City of Montreal. Which means that you only pay the difference in the cost of treatment, which greatly reduces the cost of treating your ash trees!

When we notice that we have an ash on our property or that we receive a letter from the City stipulating it, it is important to call on an experienced arborist to determine an action plan for your property. tree. As much for the TreeAzin treatment as for the felling of the tree in question. We are trained and supervised by the City of Montreal to offer you a turnkey service in compliance with the regulations in force at the City of Montreal.