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WINTER STUDY  Thoroughly Examine your Trees Now! David L. Roberts, Ph.D. Michigan State University Extension

Residence in Bloomfield Hills, MI:    This residence in Bloomfield Hills occurs in a predominantly ash forest. Many of the trees are large, mature specimens. The residents were uncertain whether the Emerald Ash Borer infestation had advanced into their area, but the light and dark areas on the bark indicate extensive wood pecker activity. EAB larvae beneath the bark are a favorite food of the woodpecker. (Fig. 48)  Feb. 25, 2003

Pictorial Identification - of EAB Siting in  Homeowners Ash Return to:   EAB Homepage

Detecting Signs of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Decline
    Woodpecker activity is often the first signs of EAB activity in a neighborhood.  In the following series of photographs you will notice extensive woodpecker activity at this residence where no EAB had been detected in 2002.  In these winter 2003 photographs, there were no other definitive signs such as epicormic shoots (suckers) emerging from the trunk, or obvious D-shaped emergence holes.  The woodpecker activity was actually notifying residents of EAB in the area.
    Also review:
EAB: Winter Management Through Sanitation
Life Cycle of the EAB

	Large Ash Tree by Garage:   This tree shows extensive light and dark areas on its trunk, indicating frequent visitations by woodpeckers. Because the tree is being extensively worked over by woodpeckers, this is a very good sign that the EAB has invaded this tree in this neighborhood. Many trees at this residence exhibited scars by woodpeckers. Unfortunately, this tree is already too far advanced in decline to be saved. The woodpecker activity is an excellent indicator that the EAB is present, even during the winter, when no other obvious symptoms of EAB activity may be obvious. (Fig. 49)
	At eye level close up of 5+ woodpecker holes in the trunk:    This is a close up of the lower trunk, showing 5 holes (near yellow arrow) created by the woodpeckers. It is estimated that woodpeckers may eliminate only 10-20% or less of the insects in a given area on the tree - this demonstrates that the damage by the EAB is far greater beneath this bark than what is readily apparent. (Fig. 50)
	Looking up above the roof top following the tree trunk:    The woodpecker activity has increased as noted in those light and dark areas on the upper trunk, clearly visible up into the canopy top.  (Fig. 51)
	Closer look at the upper tree trunk. (Fig. 52)
	Close up of Upper Branches:   Notice all of the woodpecker holes in these upper branches. From this extensive woodpecker activity, we can deduce that there is far more EAB damage beneath the bark than what is readily apparent. It is doubtful that this branch would even produce leaves in the coming spring. (Fig.53)
	Crown of the TREE:   Note extensive woodpecker activity (bark stripped off- indicated by the lighter wood areas) which are first clues of EAB infestations. (Fig. 54)
	Adjacent Trees:   Adjacent trees also show signs of woodpecker activity but visibly not as extreme. We do not know how severely affected these trees are at this time.  (Fig. 55)
	In Comparison to Summer EAB damage:  A group of diseased  ash trees marked for removal.  Again, note the lighter bark areas were created by woodpecker activity. This activity may be the first signs of EAB in your area, as posted earlier on this website last year.   (Fig. 10)   To view a close-up, click here (Fig. 10a)
EAB Site Navigation:   EAB Homepage   Photo Gallery I - EAB   Photo Gallery II - EAB & Ash Trees in Decline   Ash Tree IDentification Guide    Ash Tree Decline Research History & Management   Identification of Stages of EAB Decline & Whether Treatment is Necessary   Links   EAB: Winter Management Through Sanitation    How well do Insecticides work for EAB?    Media Files    Alternative Selections for Problems in Tree Species .pdf

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	David L. Roberts, Ph.D.    Michigan State University Extension Southeast    28115 Meadowbrook Rd., Novi, MI  48377-3128   Campus:      Michigan State University     B17 Plant & Soil Sciences     East Lansing, MI  48824-1359    For comments or questions email:  robertsd@msu.edu
	Helping people improve their lives through an educational process that applies knowledge to critical needs, issues, and opportunities.

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