Three Tennessee counties have been quarantined for Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) after detection of the forest-devastating insect, bringing the total number of Tennessee counties under a state and federal EAB quarantine to 62.
Cheatham, Giles, and Maury counties have been added to the list of areas restricted for the movement of firewood, ash nursery stock, ash timber, and other material that can spread EAB. The tree-killing beetle was recently found in these three counties through the United States Department of Agriculture’s EAB detection program.
“Emerald Ash Borer is a very serious invasive insect that has the potential to severely impact the health and lifespan of all ash trees in Tennessee,” State Forester David Arnold said. “Slowing the spread is our best line of defense, so we ask those in quarantined counties to be cautious with moving firewood, ash logs, and other ash material.”
Since being introduced to the U.S. in the 1990s, the destructive insect has killed millions of ash trees and spread to 35 states.Citizens are encouraged to report any symptomatic ash trees to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) and follow these recommendations:
· Do not transport firewood, even within the state.
· Use firewood from local sources near where you are going to burn it or purchase certified heat-treated firewood.
· If you have moved firewood, burn all of it before leaving your campsite.
· Watch for signs of infestation in your ash trees. If you suspect your ash tree could be infested with EAB, visit www.tn.gov/agriculture/businesses/plants/plant-pests--diseases-and-quarantines/ag-businesses-eab.html or call TDA’s Consumer and Industry Services Division at 1-800-628-2631.
TDA’s Division of Forestry estimates that five million urban ash trees in Tennessee are potentially at risk from EAB. The risk represents an estimated value loss of $2 billion. There are an estimated 261 million ash trees on Tennessee timberland, which are potentially valued as high as $9 billion.
For more information about EAB and other destructive forest pests in Tennessee, visit www.protecttnforests.org. Follow ProtectTNForests on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for updates on the harmful impacts insects and diseases have on our trees, where pests are found, and what landowners can do to help protect their trees.