Emerald Ash Borer

What is Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)?

It is an insect that attacks and kills all species of Ash trees that grow in Minnesota. The beetle is a small (less than one half inch ½”) iridescent green bug that feeds on Ash trees during the Summer. It lays eggs underneath the bark. As the eggs develop into larvae, they feed on the cambium underneath the bark denying the tree the nutrients it needs to survive. Ultimately, the tree dies over a two to three year period.

Symptoms of EAB Infestation

• Crown dieback from the top
• New epicormic (the lower trunk) shoots or growth
• D-shaped exit holes
• Bark splitting
• S-shaped or serpentine shaped galleries formed under the bark
• Extensive woodpecker damage

What can be done?

• Positively identify trees and have them professionally evaluated.
• Proactively treat Ash trees with insecticides.
• Professional tree care services offer injection treatments.
• Property owners can purchase and apply soil drench insecticides.  Follow the instructions on the label, it is the law.
• If you treat a boulevard tree, save your receipts!
• Tree removals effectively eliminate EAB's food source.
• Trees on private property can be removed at any time and does not require coordination with the City Forester.
• Removal of trees within boulevard spaces must be authorized by the City Forester, and the removal must be done through a licensed tree removal service.
• Monitor the condition of all trees on your property, keep an eye out for damage and pests.

•  A complete boulevard and park tree inventory has been completed.
• Approximately one-thousand (1,000) Ash trees are within boulevard spaces, this represents twenty-two percent (22%) of all boulevard trees.
• Approximately five-hundred (500) desirable Ash trees exist with parks and open spaces.
• The City Forester began protecting Ash trees in parks and public spaces in 2017.
• The approved treatment plan will treat one-third (1/3^rd ) of the Ash trees each year.
• The treatment plan is anticipated to run for at least ten (10) years.
• The City will continue to communicate with residents on City efforts and the importance of proactive/preventative control efforts.

• Do not buy or move firewood if you do not know its identity or source. Movement of infested wood has been the most prevalent way of transporting the pests from infested to non-infested areas.
• Avoid pruning Ash trees until late Fall or Winter when trees are dormant.
• Look for the symptoms of EAB in Ash trees and if you have questions or concerns, contact the Parks and Recreation Department 651-480-6175 or call a tree care professional.

On April 4th, 2017 the Parks & Recreation Committee of Council (Braucks*, Folch, Leifeld) met and discussed boulevard tree maintenance requirements.

On May 1st, 2017 the City Council heard a presentation related to EAB. Council discussed and adopted the boulevard tree maintenance recommendation forwarded by the Parks & Recreation Committee of Council. View meeting materials.

EAB Protection/Treatment Vendors:

• Rainbow Treecare
• Phone 952-922-3810 
• EAB Hotline: 952-767-6920
• Website
• Save a Tree
• Phone: 651-964-4001
• Website
• Davey Tree
• Phone: 651-451-8907
• Website

Online Resources:

Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Arrest the Pest

Emerald Ash Borer Insecticides

Home owner guide to insecticide selection, use and environmental Protection

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Potential Side Effects of Systemic insecticides used to control EAB

Finding Tree Care Help: Certified Arborist and MN Tree Care Advisors

University of Minnesota EAB Risk Status