Archived Outdoors

Emerald ash borer found in the Pisgah

Emerald ash borer found in the Pisgah

An infestation of destructive emerald ash borers has been confirmed in the Appalachian Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest and on private lands along the French Broad River, extending from Marshall to the Tennessee state line.

First found in the United States in 2002 near Detroit, emerald ash borers have been spreading across the country, devastating ash tree populations. While the adult beetles do nibble on ash leaves, they cause little damage — it’s the larvae, which eat the trees’ inner bark, that disrupt the ash’s ability to transport water and nutrients. 

The tree typically dies within a year or two of infestation, and dead trees quickly become brittle and subject to falling or breaking. 

The U.S. Forest Service will work to remove dead ash trees in developed recreation areas like campgrounds and picnic areas to prevent injury and damage when they fall, but visitors should be cautious along roads and trails, where dangerous trees may not be removed. 

Help prevent the spread of harmful insects like the emerald ash borer by refraining from bringing your own firewood with you to forested areas — instead get it from the forest where you’re camping or a nearby vendor. Burn all firewood before leaving. 

Landowners with emerald ash borer infestation on their property should call their local Cooperative Extension office. 

www.emeraldashborer.info.

Smokey Mountain News Logo
SUPPORT THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS AND
INDEPENDENT, AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM
Go to top
Payment Information

/

At our inception 20 years ago, we chose to be different. Unlike other news organizations, we made the decision to provide in-depth, regional reporting free to anyone who wanted access to it. We don’t plan to change that model. Support from our readers will help us maintain and strengthen the editorial independence that is crucial to our mission to help make Western North Carolina a better place to call home. If you are able, please support The Smoky Mountain News.

The Smoky Mountain News is a wholly private corporation. Reader contributions support the journalistic mission of SMN to remain independent. Your support of SMN does not constitute a charitable donation. If you have a question about contributing to SMN, please contact us.