Dead Ash Tree - Worm-like Pattern Under Bark
This is one of my neighbor's Ash trees. They have a half-dozen or so that have are dead and still standing. The photo above is striking for two reasons: the worm-like pattern that is on the tree is the most noticeable. But, look closer: see all the holes? All over the tree? That's from the Emerald Ash Borer and why the tree is dead. Here's a closer look at a couple of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) holes on this tree: There doesn't appear to be any of the Borers hanging around as I presume these trees were killed years ago when the Borer first appeared in Illinois. The Morton Arboretum suggests that the Emerald Ash Borer is so pervasive that it expects that EVERY Ash Tree in Illinois will be killed . EVERY. SINGLE. ONE. What happens when all the Ash trees are gone? Will the Borers move on? Fly somewhere else? Just die off? Or, will they adapt to the environment and start to attack other species of trees? That's terrifying. Here (below) is