Small pests are causing large problems for some trees in the area and residents are being encouraged to help stop them.
The Emerald Ash Borer is a dark metallic green color and only one-half inch long and one-sixteenth of an inch wide. The creature belongs to a group of insects called metallic wood-boring beetles, according the Michigan Department of Agriculture.
When the pest infests an ash tree, the host is destroyed and the predator moves on to the next victim.
The DOA says the ash borer’s presence goes undetected until the tree starts to show signs of infestation. Usually, the upper third of the tree will die first. In Michigan, most ash trees are white, black or green.
The Independence Township and Clarkston Department of Public Works advises residents to be on the watch for the bug. Two signs include noted splitting in the bark and D-shaped exit holes.
‘It’s obvious,? said Clarkston Department of Public Works Director Bob Pursley. ‘It almost looks like someone took a machine gun and shot the tree.?
Both Pursley and Independence Township DPW Director Linda Richardson said there are not many trees that the city and township governments are responsible for clearing. Residents are responsible for having the trees removed from their own property.
‘There are so many ash trees ? there’s not enough funding to help everyone out,? Richardson said.
Pursley said the trees that were removed in the past couple of years were chipped up and hauled away.
Pursley said a problem with disposing the infected trees in the ever change directions from the Michigan Department of Agriculture extension at Michigan State University.
Richardson said the cost to remove the ash trees can be in the thousands of dollars, but is determined by such things as height and proximity to your home.
Richardson noted that finding a bug in a dead tree is rare because the borer vacates the tree as soon as it dies.
Independence Township’s Website offers links to the DOA descriptions of the ash borer. Visit the site at www.twp.independence.mi.us.
Residents are encouraged to notify the DPW if they see any signs of contact with the ash borer. The Clarkston DPW can be reached at 248-625-1265 and the Independence Township DPW can be reached at248-625-8222.