Evidence of the emerald ash borer sometimes takes up to a year to recognize. Some signs that EAB has infested a tree are D–shaped holes in the bark of the trunk or branches and epicormic shoots growing from the base of the tree. The EAB larvae feeding under the bark will effectively girdle the tree and the basal sprouting is the tree's response to the damage and loss of foliage. The upper branches will decline and die back.
The emerald ash borer is extremely difficult to control. Use only local firewood and inspect the wood for the EAB's unique galleries, particularly in areas of insect infestation. Learn to identify your ash trees. There are effective treatments for single trees but you must catch the condition early and have your specimen trees treated by an arborist.
