Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in Minnesota

Maier Tree & Lawn can identify and treat your EAB-infected ash trees

Overview of the Problem

The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive insect species that has killed millions of ash trees in several states since first being discovered in southeastern Michigan in 2002. Affected states include Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Wisconsin, Kentucky, and now Minnesota. EAB affects a species of tree that is over planted in nearly every Minnesota city. Rochester alone has approximately 15% green ash trees along its city streets and at least that percentage in private yards. Most of these trees are 25 or more years old and were planted during the Dutch elm disease epidemic. In many areas in Minnesota ash is one of the highest density native trees in our woods. Unlike many tree diseases, EAB will not skip around sparing some ash trees. And where other insect pests may only affect stressed trees, EAB is more aggressive and affects even healthy ash trees. The simple truth is, once in an area, EAB will affect all ash trees that are not treated.

Symptoms of EAB

EAB can be hard to detect because it doesn't kill right away. Often by the time it is noticed the insects have been present and doing damage for 3 to 5 years and the populations have already grown out of control.

Solutions Available from Maier Tree & Lawn

The best protection from this aggressive insect is prevention.

1. At Maier Tree & Lawn we have Foresters and Certified Arborists who are trained to identify EAB.
2. We have Consulting Arborists who are trained to advise on when to treat EAB and what chemicals to use (this involves deciding which trees should be treated based on their health, structural condition, and aesthetic value to a property). These are important considerations that will affect the success of the treatment. This is not a one-size-fits-all situation.
3. We have Licensed pesticide Applicators who are trained to treat EAB.
4. Our treatments are competitively priced and applied properly to maximize effectiveness.

Considerations for Homeowners

We recommend that treatment focus on high-valued trees, not necessarily every ash tree. Treatments are not a one-time solution, rather something that continues long term, so cost decisions should be made taking that into account.