Recovery from Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire) Infestation in a Suburban Lake Environment

Paul Hudak

doi:10.63095/NBSEH.26.231190

Authors

Paul Hudak University of North Texas (ROR: https://ror.org/00v97ad02), Department of Geography and the Environment, 1155 Union Circle #305279, Denton, TX 76203-5017.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63095/NBSEH.26.231190

Keywords:

Emerald ash borer (EAB), Green ash recovery, Texas

Abstract

Field observations documented patterns of green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) recovery following emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire) (EAB) infestation at Lewisville Lake in north-central Texas. A total of 119 trees were observed in three diameter classes along a 1 km nature trail. The trail winds through mown and unmown sections of remnant bottomland behind residential lots. Of the small (<2.5 cm), medium (2.5–15 cm), and large (>15 cm) diameter classes, large specimens suffered the most damage. None of the 31 large trees were healthy, though several had healthy epicormic branches near the base of the tree. Most of the 15 medium-diameter trees survived and were thriving in unmown areas. All 73 seedlings in the smallest category were thriving at unmown sites. Land stewardship strongly influences tree recovery in the study area.

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