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Emerald Ash Borer

Though small in size (typically 8.5 -14 mm long and 3.1 -3.4 mm wide), the emerald ash borer beetle is wreaking havoc on ash trees in North America. Native to Asia, it was first observed in North America in Windsor, Ontario in 2002, and has since been observed as far east as Quebec and as far west as Winnipeg.

North American ash trees have little resistance to the emerald ash borer. It has been found that within six years of the beetle being identified in a region, approximately 99% of ash trees will die.

While there are no native ash forests in Alberta, ash is a commonly planted tree in new and old developments, therefore urban forests are at risk. Rocky View County is working with neighbouring municipalities, the Province of Alberta, and the Society to Prevent Dutch Elm Disease to monitor for the presence of the emerald ash borer in Alberta.

What You Can Do

  • If you suspect that you have found an emerald ash borer or observe an ash tree uncharacteristically in decline, please phone the County at 403-230-1401 or email questions@rockyview.ca to report the issue.
  • Burn firewood where it was purchased, as transporting firewood from place to place is one of the easiest ways for the emerald ash borer to spread.
  • Do not transport nursery stock from out-of-province, as this is another potential way for the emerald ash borer to spread.

To learn more about the emerald ash borer, visit Natural Resources Canada.

Posted in: Agriculture Weeds & Pests