How Often Should Ash Trees Be Treated for Emerald Ash Borer?
If you have an ash tree in Omaha, Bennington, Elkhorn, Gretna, Papillion, Bellevue, or anywhere in the Omaha metro, you've probably heard of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB).
The tiny metallic-green beetle has killed millions of ash trees across the United States and continues to threaten ash trees throughout eastern Nebraska. One of the most common questions we hear at American Arborist is:
"How often should my ash tree be treated for Emerald Ash Borer?"
The answer is simple:
Most professional EAB treatments need to be repeated every two years to maintain protection.
Why Does EAB Treatment Need To Be Repeated?
The insecticide used during EAB treatment moves throughout the tree's vascular system and protects it from Emerald Ash Borer larvae. Over time, the effectiveness of that treatment gradually declines. Once the protection level drops, your tree becomes vulnerable again.
Missing a treatment cycle can allow Emerald Ash Borers to re-establish themselves inside the tree, often without visible signs until significant damage has already occurred.
If You Treated in 2024, You're Due Again in 2026
This is the easiest rule to remember: treat your Ash trees every two years.
Treated in 2024 → Due in 2026
Treated in 2025 → Due in 2027
Treated in 2026 → Due in 2028
Keeping your treatment schedule consistent is one of the most important things you can do to protect your ash trees.
How Do I Know If My Tree Is an Ash Tree?
Ash trees are extremely common throughout Omaha neighborhoods.
Common species include:
Green Ash
White Ash
Autumn Purple Ash
Signs include:
Opposite branching structure
Compound leaves with multiple leaflets
Diamond-shaped bark ridges on mature trees
Not sure what you have? American Arborist offers free consultations and can identify your tree for you.
Can An Ash Tree Be Saved After EAB Infestation?
In many cases, yes. The key is catching the infestation early. Signs of Emerald Ash Borer damage may include:
Thinning canopy
Dead branches in upper crown
Increased woodpecker activity
Sprouting shoots along trunk
D-shaped exit holes
The sooner treatment begins, the better the odds of preserving the tree.
Why Protect Ash Trees?
Mature ash trees provide:
Shade
Energy savings
Property value
Stormwater benefits
Neighborhood beauty
Replacing a mature ash tree can take decades.
Treatment is often far less expensive than removal and replacement.
Schedule Your EAB Treatment
If your ash tree was treated in 2024, it's time to get back on the schedule.
American Arborist provides Emerald Ash Borer treatments throughout Omaha, Elkhorn, Bennington, Waterloo, Valley, Gretna, Papillion, La Vista, Ralston, Bellevue, Council Bluffs, Carter Lake, and surrounding communities.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.