The epidemic of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in Central North America has resulted in the loss of millions of Ash trees. Entire Forests have fallen victim to this beetle. Signs of infestation become apparent once the tree has been heavily infested by the EAB. Unfortunately, one signs are visible, the outlook is bleak. Signs include: dieback of the crown, and loss of rich green colour in the remaining leaves. EAB are able to ‘jump’ from tree to tree, sucking out the remaining life of forests.
The larvae feed between the sapwood and the bark. This occurs along the entire length of the Ash tree trunk and on branches with a diameter of ~2cm. As a result, feeding interrupts the flow of nutrients flowing up to the leaves. Consequently, the feeding is what eventually kills the tree. Unfortunately, there is no ‘cure’. There are treatments that can be utilized for trees deemed “good candidates”. Typically, trees that haven’t lost more than 75% of their canopies are candidates suitable for treatment. However, applied treatments usually only prolongs their lives by a couple of years.
As the EAB bores between the sapwood and the bark, they create very distinct and interesting patterns in the wood. It’s unfortunate to see so many trees fall victim to this destructive beetle without a cure insight. We have the opportunity to create beautiful, long lasting pieces from Ash trees that have come down.
These unique borrow lines of the EAB captures natural history and creates intricate patterns. Our ‘Rescued’ line, including our Phoenix Ash flooring, highlights the beauty of preserved ash. All of the wood used for Phoenix Ash flooring has been rescued from the clearing of dead Ash trees as much of the wood is otherwise left to decay on the forest floors.
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