The Emerald Ash Borer was first detected in North America in the Detroit, Michigan area in June 2002. EAB is now in 25 states and 2 Canadian provinces. Since that time several insecticides had been developed and tested to protect trees that are not yet infested, or are in the early stages and are still healthy.

As Certified Arborists, we utilize a university-tested product called TREE-äge (pronounced like triage), which is given as trunk injections. It is best applied in May, June, and September, and protects trees up to several years.

Contact us for a no-cost Ash evaluation and treatment plan!

EAB is native to Asia and is suspected to have arrived in this county in cargo utilizing wood packing material. In its native range, EAB attacks and kills trees that are weakened by stresses such as drought, disease, and mechanical injury. Unfortunately, in North America, EAB also attacks and kills healthy trees. This invasive pest is so aggressive that virtually all native ash trees are at risk, and trees may die within two to four years after they become infested. Already, tens of millions of North American ash trees havesuccumbed to this borer.

If EAB is not contained, the devastation to our ash trees may be similar to that of our American elms, which were decimated by Dutch Elm Disease. The potential impact from EAB in Illinois is significant. Ash trees account for six percent of forests state-wide, and 20 percent of urban forests in communities in the northeastern part of the state, or approximately 130 million ash trees.

At Risk Trees

All 16 native ash species are probably susceptible to EAB attack. Horticultural cultivars of these species are also susceptible. Healthy ash trees of any size are vulnerable to attack.

Controlling EAB

Maintaining tree health is important. Research suggests that insecticide treatments may be more effective if overall tree health is maintained. Fertilize trees in the fall or spring and provide supplemental irrigation during periods of drought. Trees should receive approximately one inch of water per week during the growing season.

Get Started