James Martin Associates is Hosting a Lunch and Learn on the Emerald Ash Borer

WHEN: Wednesday February 29, 2012

TIME: 11:30 a.m.—1:00 p.m.

WHAT: Arborist, Dan Klindera of Autumn Tree Care will lead a discussion on the Emerald Ash Borer

• How it will affect your company?
• What is being done and what you can do?
• What are the costs associated with this pesky beetle that is decimating the ash trees in Illinois and more...

WHERE: Philly G’s at 1252 East US Hwy 45 in Vernon Hills, IL

SEATS LIMITED-Bring a guest and reserve your spot TODAY:

Contact Dorie Roth at d.roth@jamesmartinassociates.com or 847-876-8049

Some interesting things to know about the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB):   

• June 2002 – the EAB was first discovered in Michigan
• 2006 – the EAB was first discovered in Kane County, IL
• Ash Trees cover 20% of streets in the greater Chicagoland area
• Asia – where the beetle comes from. It is thought it came to the states in wood packing material
• TENS of MILLIONS: the cost to municipalities, homeowners and nurseries 
• TENS of MILLIONS of Ash trees killed in Illinois alone and still counting
• This beetle when an adult is shiny green metallic and about ½ long
• This pesky beetle only attacks ash trees
• A D-shaped exit hole is found on the tree when the adult emerges
• Woodpeckers love the taste of this shiny beetle, so heavy woodpecker damage may be a sign of infestation
• Firewood can’t be moved in many areas in the Midwest due to the EAB quarantine.
• All of Illinois is quarantined from taking ash products outside the state. A state quarantine is in place for the 25 northeastern-most counties of Illinois. THE REMOVAL OF THE EAB, ASH TREES, LIMBS OR BRANCHES OF ANY SIZE, ASH FIREWOOD OR LOGS OR ANY ITEM MADE USING AS WOOD IS PROHIBITED FROM LEAVING THE QUARANTINED AREAS.

Quarantine Boundaries Defined per the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Effective November 10, 2011

Regulated Areas, shall read:

1.The entire Counties of Boone, Bureau, Champaign, Clark, Coles, Cook, Cumberland, DeKalb, Dewitt, Douglas, DuPage, Edgar, Effingham, Fayette, Ford, Grundy, Iroquois, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Lake, LaSalle, Lee, Livingston, Macon, Marion, Marshall, McHenry, McLean, Moultrie, Ogle, Piatt, Putnam, Shelby, Stark, Vermillion, Will, Winnebago, and Woodford; and

2. Any other area within the State of Illinois where the presence of the Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire) is confirmed in the future. These amendments to the Quarantine shall be effective on or after this 10th day of November 2011. All other provisions of the original quarantine, as previously amended, shall remain in full force and effect.   For more information visit www.agr.state.il.us/eab/index.php

The treatment is not 100%, but it may help if a healthy tree is treated with insecticide. Research is still being done on the treatments, as well as the side effects.

What Happens?

May-July is when the adult beetle emerges and the female lays an abundant amount of eggs which hatch into larvae. The larvae then begin to chew the inner bark creating a winding road on the bark as they gnaw, which disrupts the transportation of water and nutrients to the tree.

What are some of the Signs or Symptoms?

• The branches at the top or crown of the ash tree die back
• Shoots will sprout on the trunk and base of the tree
• A vertical split in the tree and noticeable woodpecker damage

How do I know if my county is currently infected?  Visit IllinoisEAB.com to find out more information

At James Martin Associates we design and create a variety of holiday planters for our residential and commercial clients.  We begin with quality potting soil and use a variety of planting materials such as Eucalyptus, White Pine, Cedar, Douglas Fir, Juniper, Bay Leaves, Curly Willow and Berries.  We begin at the base of the planter and then begin working from the center out in order to create a full and gorgeous container.  Enjoy this video on creating and designing an outdoor holiday container: Dim lights

Happy Holidays!

One of the industry's most anticipated lists by Snow Magazine: The Top Snow Contractor List.  JMA ranked 34 out of 100.  Snow Magazine compiles the list by collecting entry forms from contractors and then conducts extensive follow-up calls.  Once the nomination process is closed the numbers are crunched and the snow removal firms are organized according to their respective 2010-11 snow removal revenue numbers.  Congratulations JMA for making the list!