The emerald ash borer continues its ravages in Edmundston

Sep 26, 2022

Some trees affected by the emerald ash borer will be felled because they are in an advanced state of dieback or because they have died from these insects. The emerald ash borer is an exotic insect pest that has already killed millions of trees in North America. It was detected for the first time in the Atlantic region, more precisely in Edmundston, in May of 2018. It is now present throughout New Brunswick and the country.

"Once the presence of the emerald ash borer was confirmed in 2018, we knew that our entire population of ash trees was under threat. In fact, once established in an area, since there are no natural predators and that the trees have no defense mechanisms, the emerald ash borer typically kills over 95% of all ash trees in 8 to 10 years. It's a shame, but it's inevitable," explains Daniel Gautreau, Green Spaces Coordinator and Urban Forester for City of Edmundston's Public Works Department.

The adult insect emerge from the tree at the end of May, start of June, and feeds on ash trees’ foliage. Following adult reproduction, females lay sixty to one hundred tiny eggs in crevices in the tree bark. Hatching takes place one to two weeks later and the larvae burrow into bark layers to reach the phloem of the tree, where they dig galleries to feed. It is this phase of the insect that eventually kills the trees. Around early November, the larvae go dormant for the winter. The pupa forms the following spring, the larva metamorphoses into an adult insect and the cycle begins again. This cycle of the emerald ash borer eventually kills a tree in 2 to 5 years.

According to Daniel Gautreau, these infestations have destroyed ash trees along streets and in parks in many urban areas of North America. "It's unfortunate because these trees, in addition to beautifying cities, play an important role in improving the environmental conditions of urban areas. For example, urban trees create shade, absorb CO2, trap harmful dust in the air and can reduce energy costs in some buildings. The taller the trees, the greater the positive impact on the urban environment and for citizens,” concluded Mr. Gautreau.

In order to maintain a healthy tree population, the municipality continues to plant trees on an annual basis, which will replace the felled ash trees while maintaining a green canopy for the benefit of everyone.

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CONTACT: Daniel Gautreau, Green Spaces and Urban Forestry Coordinator, Public Works Department, 506.739.2103, daniel.gautreau@edmundston.ca