Emerald Ash Borer

There are many diseases that can infect your trees and below are just a few you might encounter. Learn more about each disease and how we can help control it. Get in touch with an expert today!

What is EAB?

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.

What can I do to keep my trees healthy?

Plant a variety of trees, use proper planting techniques, review resources on maintaining tree health and/or consult a local tree expert such as a certified arborist or local extension person.

What should I do if my ash tree is in decline?

Review diagnostic aids for identifying EAB symptoms, look into resources on maintaining tree health and/or consult a local tree expert such as a certified arborist or local extension person.

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has been found in St. Paul. What do Minnesota homeowners need to know?

• Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) affects only the species in the genus Fraxinus, i.e. ash. No other tree species are affected.
• An ISA Certified Arborist is your best consultant if you want your trees inspected, which we have on staff. Licensed Pesticide Applicators are the only people who can legally treat your trees, which we also have on staff.
What do I do if I have ash trees?

1. If you have an ash tree and live near an EAB outbreak, you should consider consulting an arborist to see if treatments are warranted. Costs for treating one mature tree will range from $50 to $200 annually. Factors such as tree size and a number of total trees treated per site will impact price. If you decide to proceed with treatments, be aware that this is a long-term, on-going commitment. Any person applying these treatments for hire must be a Commercial Pesticide Applicator as licensed by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

2. 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.
• Don’t trust door-to-door salesman selling tree cures or tree removal unless you can verify their credentials and check references.
• If your ash trees are removed, trust experienced local professionals to help you choose replacement trees. There are many replacement species available and an experienced professional can help you choose the right species for your soil type and planting location. If you are planting multiple trees, diversify the species you choose!

If you have questions or want to report a suspected find of EAB, call the Minnesota Department of Agriculture Arrest The Pest hotline at 651.201.6644 or 888.545.6684 or see http://www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/pestmanagement/eab.htm

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