Protecting Your Ash Trees from Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Damage
The emerald ash borer (EAB) is one of the most destructive pests threatening ash trees across the United States. This invasive beetle can devastate healthy trees within just a few years, leaving behind dead, brittle wood and a barren yard. If you have an ash tree that hasn’t been treated in the last two years, it’s time to act. Winter might seem like an odd time to think about pests, but early planning ensures your tree gets the protection it needs when it counts.
Emerald ash borer
What Is Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)?
EAB is a small metallic green beetle that targets ash trees. Native to Asia, it was first detected in North America in 2002 and has since spread across much of the U.S., leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Adult beetles lay eggs in the tree's bark, and their larvae tunnel into the wood, feeding on the tree’s vascular system. This disrupts the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients, leading to decline and eventual death.
Signs of EAB infestation include:
D-shaped exit holes in the bark.
Thinning or dying branches at the top of the tree.
Splitting bark with visible larval galleries underneath.
Increased woodpecker activity (they feed on the larvae).
If left untreated, infested ash trees typically die within 3–5 years.
The Solution: Trunk Injection Treatment
The best way to protect your ash trees from EAB is with a trunk injection of emamectin benzoate, an insecticide proven to provide up to 97% effectiveness at controlling the beetle. This treatment works by delivering the insecticide directly into the tree’s vascular system, where it targets and eliminates the larvae feeding on the wood.
Key benefits of the treatment:
It’s highly effective (97% control).
It protects the tree for up to two years.
It’s environmentally friendly, as the insecticide stays within the tree and doesn’t affect surrounding plants or wildlife.
If your ash tree hasn’t been treated in the last two years, it’s critical to schedule a treatment before the growing season begins.
Why Winter Planning Is Important
It might feel strange to think about EAB during the winter months when your trees are bare, but early spring treatments need to be planned now. Timing is crucial because trunk injections must be applied before the EAB lifecycle begins in the spring. By scheduling your treatment during the winter, you’ll be prepared to protect your trees at the optimal time.
Taking action now prevents the risk of losing your ash trees to EAB infestation and saves you from costly removal and replacement down the road.
Pre-Sale Discount for JANUARY-February Sign-Ups
To help you get ahead, we’re offering a special pre-sale discount for treatments scheduled in February. This is the perfect opportunity to ensure your ash trees are protected for the next two years—and to save on the cost of treatment.
Don’t wait for EAB to take hold. With its proven effectiveness, a trunk injection of emamectin benzoate is the best line of defense against this devastating pest. Winter is the time to act.
Contact us today to schedule your EAB treatment and lock in your pre-sale discount!
Let’s work together to keep your ash trees strong, healthy, and thriving.