Save Your Ash Trees from the EAB

The emerald ash borer WILL kill 99 percent of all our native ash trees within the next few years.  So all Ash trees should be considered at high risk.   This will not only cause potential devastation to our tree canopy but also create hazards on your property.  Brittle, dead branches have the potential to fall and hit people, structures, or cars.

Homeowners need to be very proactive in managing their trees.  Residents should identify ash trees on their property and monitor for signs of damage or decline such as unusual woodpecker activity or missing bark.”

Work with a Certified (Licensed) Tree Expert or Approved Consulting Forester to help determine whether or not your ash trees are good candidates for a treatment program, or whether tree removal is the most appropriate response.

What You Should Do

EAB Action Chart

  1. Determine if you have ash trees (or white fringetrees) that are susceptible.
    1. To identify a tree as ash, it has a compound leaf with five, seven, nine or 11 leaflets.  Use the links below to assist you in determining if a tree is an ash.  You may also contact your local Rutgers Cooperative Extension office.
  2. Assess the condition of your trees
    1. Áre they healthy and vigorous?
    2. Do they have more than half their leaves?
    3. Do you see any sign of insect damage?
  3. Are your trees in a good location away from utility wires and other obstacles?
    1. Is there enough room for the tree to grow to its full potential height of abt. 50′?
    2. Is there enough room to accommodate its full crown spread of 45′?
  4. Is your tree a specimen or heritage tree?
    1. Is the circumference more than 60″ (measured at 4.5′ from the ground)
  5. Treat and Monitor
    1. Call a Tree Professional to apply a preventative treatment to your ash tree with a circumference of less than 60″.
      Be sure to get at least two estimates and ask for insurance and references.

      1. Timing – April 1 – May 15
      2. Treatment – Soil drench – see licensed Tree Professional for details
      3. Precautions – Follow label directions
      4. Reapply – Annually for 15 – 20 years.

See Rutgers infographic for options at a glance

Additional Resources