A new invasive bug that’s already killed millions of trees throughout the US is now in Charlotte, according to press release by the city of Charlotte.
The ‘Emerald Ash Borer’ seems to have killed several trees at a property by South Tryon St. and Billy Graham Parkway.
If the new insect takes a strong foothold in our city, approximately 1,300 ash trees that line the streets of Charlotte could be in danger, along with our ‘City of Trees‘ nickname.
According to the city’s recent announcement, “The emerald ash borer (EAB) is a metallic green beetle that bores into ash trees eating the tissues beneath the bark…now found in many Midwestern and Eastern states and has already killed millions of ash trees. The City of Charlotte’s tree management group is working on an action plan to manage public trees and to provide information for citizens.”
Infestations of the EAB start with the loss of leaves on tree tops, tunnels emerging under loose tree bark, and a phenomena called ‘Sprouts’, which are created by the tree as a defense mechanism at its base.
The city of Charlotte is urging residents to report all possible sighting of EAB to 800-206-9333 or newpest@ncagr.gov