Emerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive species with the potential to devastate the ash tree population. Emerald ash borer larvae feed on the inner bark of ash trees, limiting the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients. This damage accumulates and kills the tree. EAB has not been found in Saskatchewan. The nearest know EAB infestation is in Winnipeg and was discovered in 2017.

It is estimated that ash trees make up 20% of Moose Jaw’s urban forest. The Parks and Recreation Department currently monitors for the presence of EAB using visual surveys and green prism traps located in areas of high ash density around the city. These traps are hung in the trees from late May to the end of August. The Parks and Recreation Department is working on a GIS inventory of all city-owned trees, which allows for informed decision making to protect our urban forest.

If EAB is detected in Moose Jaw, the City will work with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, who regulates EAB nationally, to slow the spread of this pest. This will include monitoring the population of EAB with prism traps, injecting high value ash trees to protect them from EAB, and pre-emptively removing ash in poor condition.

What can I do?

1. Don’t move firewood. Transporting wood helps invasive species and diseases spread. All firewood should be bought and burned locally.
2. Identify the trees in your yard. If you have ash trees, monitor them for signs and symptoms of EAB. If you suspect that your ash tree may be infected, contact Parks and Recreation at recreation@moosejaw.ca or (306) 694-4439.
3. Learn more about EAB at http://www.emeraldashborer.info

How to Identify Ash Trees

Ash trees have opposite buds that are either brown or black. Opposite means that the buds and leaves always occur in pairs. Ash leaves a pinnately compound, meaning they are made of many small leaflets attached to the leaf’s mid rib in pairs. Ash are slow to leaf out in the spring and one of the first trees to drop it’s leaves in the fall. More pictures of ash trees can be found on our ash tree page.

Signs and Symptoms of Emerald Ash Borer

1. Dieback starting from the top of the tree
2. Increased wood pecker damage
3. D- shaped exit holes
4. S-shaped galleries underneath the bar