Emerald Ash Borer in bark - Tree Disease Control Minnesota Tree Experts

Emerald Ash Borer

What is an Emerald Ash Borer?

An Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an insect that attacks and kills ash trees. The adults are small, iridescent green beetles that live outside of trees during the summer months. The larvae are grub or worm-like and live underneath the bark of ash trees. Trees are killed by the tunneling of the larvae under the tree’s bark.

Emerald Ash Borer in Minnesota

EAB was first discovered in (St. Paul) Minnesota in 2009. In 2010 it was discovered that they had spread to Minneapolis and in 2016 it was found in the northern Duluth area. To learn more about where Emerald Ash Borer lives, you can view the interactive Minnesota EAB Map.

All ash trees are susceptible to EAB and millions of ash trees have been killed in infested areas already. Minnesota has o

emerald ash borer

ne of the highest volumes of ash on forestland in the U.S. with an estimated 867 million forestland ash trees and ash is a prominent component of our urban forests as well. The potential economic and environmental impacts of losing these trees are substantial. The cost of removing and replacing a single tree can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars – how many ash trees are in your yard?

In some communities in Minnesota, Ash Trees make up 60 percent of the trees. If EAB affects these trees, it will begin to strain city budgets as more and more communities are challenged with removing large numbers of trees killed by EAB.

What do I do if I Find EAB?

If an arborist confirms your tree has EAB or you have a declining ash tree near a confirmed infestation, treatment may be possible or you may need to remove the tree. Discuss with your arborist the value of the tree and the cost of application vs. the cost of removal. Removal costs will vary substantially depending upon the size of the tree and other factors. Any company removing a tree should provide proof of insurance. Also, many cities in the metro require tree care or tree removal services to be licensed.

For More Information, Contact The Minnesota Tree Experts Today!