Emerald Ash Borer is in Vermont

Contact us for an Arborist consulation about EAB

It’s not too late for proper planning.

D Shaped Exit Holes Created By Emerald Ash Borer, prior to the Ash Tree's removal

What is Emerald Ash Borer?

Emerald Ash borer(EAB) is a beetle from Northeast Asia, whose residence in the US was first discovered in Michigan in 2002. The beetle has had drastic impacts on North American ash trees, killing tens of millions of Ash trees in forests and cities. EAB, during its larva stage, lives in the cambium, the space between the inner bark and outer wood, which transports water and nutrients to the canopy. It burrows tunnels that effectively girdle the tree, depriving it of water and nutrients. In 2018, EAB was first detected in Vermont and the state now has a quarantine, so please do not move wood outside of Vermont. Ash trees on this continent have not yet developed any strong resistance to the beetle.

EAB is difficult to detect early on, since the larva live under the bark. When the signs and symptoms arrive, the infestation is already heavy. Things to look for are large amounts of dieback in the canopy, and “blonding” of the bark. Looking very closely, you may notice “D” shaped exit holes that are created when the larva mature and move from the inner bark.

What to do with my ash trees?

– No, all Ash trees need not be cut down. It is important to leave a hearty population of Ash trees in hopes that some trees will prove to be more resistant to Ash Borer than others; however, treatment or replacement should be considered if the tree is in close proximity to persons or property.

– No, all ash trees need not be injected with insecticide. Chemical treatments do offer significant protection, if treated prior to 30% Crown infestation. It is important to have an assessment done by a Certified Arborist.

Ash trees that have died from EAB Infestation are extremely brittle and statistically-speaking, unpredictable; therefore, removal requires extreme caution and often, specialized equipment. Contact us for a consultation and we can discuss a remove and replace approach.

We hope to offer chemical Treatment options by the Spring of 2026.