Michigan trees examined for ash borer

LANSING, Mich. (WOOD) - Foresters from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Michigan Technological University are examining more than 30,000 acres of state forest land for signs of the emerald ash borer and beech bark disease.

The state announced Monday that an ongoing process of harvesting ash and beech is an attempt to recover timber before trees are killed.

Emerald ash borer and beech bark disease are killing ash and beech in forests throughout the state. Each pest is specific to its host, only killing that particular tree species.

The emerald ash borer is an invasive pest.

Beech bark disease happens in two stages. It begins with tiny scale insects that feed on sap in the tree's thin bark. The scale injures the beeches, making them vulnerable to a fungus.