The Silent Invader: How the Emerald Ash Borer is Affecting New England’s Ash Trees

In recent years, one of the most significant threats to New England’s urban and rural forests has arrived in force: the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). Native to Asia, this invasive beetle has been wreaking havoc on ash tree populations across the U.S., and New England is no exception. Understanding how EAB affects ash trees, the speed at which it works, and when to act can save you time, money, and the risk of property damage.

What is the Emerald Ash Borer?

The Emerald Ash Borer is a small, metallic green beetle, roughly half an inch long. Despite its size, the damage it causes is catastrophic. EAB larvae burrow under the bark of ash trees, feeding on the inner phloem. This disrupts the tree's ability to transport water and nutrients, eventually leading to the tree’s death.

How Quickly Does EAB Kill Ash Trees?

Once infested, an ash tree can begin showing signs of decline within one to three years. Visible symptoms include thinning canopy, increased woodpecker activity, D-shaped exit holes in the bark, and epicormic shoots (new growth) at the tree’s base. In some cases, full mortality can occur within 3-5 years without intervention.

Treatment Options:

While EAB is lethal, preventative treatments are available for high-value ash trees:

• Trunk Injection: The most effective method involves injecting an insecticide directly into the tree’s vascular system. Products containing emamectin benzoate have shown high efficacy.

• Soil Drenching: For smaller ash trees, systemic insecticides can be applied to the soil around the base of the tree.

• Timing: Treatments are typically administered between mid-May and mid-June when adult beetles are active. Most trunk injections can protect a tree for up to two to three years.

It’s important to note that once an ash tree has lost more than 30-50% of its canopy, it’s often too late for treatment to be effective.

When to Call an Arborist?

If you suspect your ash tree is infested or in decline, don’t wait. Early intervention can save the tree or ensure a safer, more controlled removal. Call a certified arborist when you notice:

• Significant canopy thinning

• Bark splitting or peeling

• Sucker growth around the base

• Unusual woodpecker activity

A declining ash tree can become brittle and hazardous quickly, especially during storms. Dead or dying ash trees are notoriously unstable, making them dangerous to remove without professional equipment and expertise.

Protect Your Property — Call Cedar Run Tree Company

At Cedar Run Tree Company, we specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and safe removal of EAB-infested ash trees. Our team of certified arborists can assess your trees, recommend a course of action, and help you protect your property and the health of your landscape.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact us today at [603.828.9315] or [cedarrunllc@gmail.com] for a consultation.