Understanding Emerald Ash Borer

The Homeowners Guide To Emerald Ash Borer In MN

What is Emerald Ash Borer?

The Tiny Insect Causing BIG Problems

Emerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive species that is extremely destructive to all species of ash trees in Minnesota. The EAB larvae destroys the vascular system of the tree, cutting off nutrient supply leading to death of the tree. Since ash trees don't have a natural defense system to protect itself against these attacks these trees will decline and die in a matter of a few years. Where beetle populations are high,

trees can die within just a single year of infestation. The beetle's rapid spread and extensive damage it causes have

made it one of the most destructive forest pests in North America. Early detection and effective management are critical in combating this invasive species and protecting ash populations.

emerald ash borer in MN Top Tier Tree MN

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How To Protect Your Trees

Are Your Trees Safe? Here's Everything You need To Know

While EAB only attacks the ash species, that is good news for the other native trees here, but as for our ash tree population that is devastating news. Minnesota is home to three native ash species, black, green, and white ash, totals have been estimated to be one billion total ash trees, the most of any state in the United States. EAB does not attack any other tree species, and will not spread from an ash tree to an oak, maple, birch, etc. Preventive treatment can be done to save your ash trees, but typically by the time signs are noticed it is too late for treatment options.

Top Signs Of Emerald Ash Borer To Watch For

  • Tree crown dieback/thinning working downwards

  • D-shaped exit holes for adult emerald ash borer beetles

  • Woodpecker feeding looking for larvae - 'blonde bark'

  • S-shaped larvae galleries under the bark

  • Vertical bark splitting exposing the galleries

  • Premature leaf dropping falling early than usual

  • Epicormic shoots - 'suckers'

  • Cracked/weak or dead branches

emerald ash borer insects, an invasive species effecting ash trees in minnesota

Understanding The Circle Of Life For Your Trees

  • Adult female ash borer lay eggs in bark crevices or under bark flaps, the eggs will hatched in under two weeks.

  • Larvae burrow under the bark and feed on the cambium, creating the S-winding galleries disrupting the nutrient flow.

  • They will feed all winter beneath the bark a n d the next spring/early summer start to transformation into beetles.

  • Adult beetles emerge through D-shaped exit holes in the bark and are active for roughly 3-6 weeks. During this time

    they will mate and females will lay eggs to restart the cycle.

Treatment & Prevention Against Emerald Ash Borer In Minnesota

  • As of now there are only two options available to fight against emerald ash borer:

    - A yearly soil-applied systemic treatment

    - A bi-yearly trunk injection systemic treatment

  • What You Can Do

    - Contact Top Tier Tree! No seriously, getting a professional, certified tree inspector involved as early as possible is the best approach to long-term management of your property. Call us today or reach out to schedule a free risk assessment if you aren't sure.

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Because Top-Tier People Deserve A Top-Tier Experience

Step 1: Assessment and Diagnosis

A certified evaluation of the tree's species, health, structural condition, and proximity to your home or power lines determines whether removal is actually necessary or whether pruning, cabling, or another form of management is right to solve your problem instead.

Step 2: Honest Recommendation

You get a clear explanation of what was found and why a specific plan, whether that is removal, pruning, or ongoing health management, is the right call for this tree. We walk through pricing, timelines and next steps so you know exactly what to expect and how to plan for protecting your home and your budget.

Step 3: Safety-First Execution

For open space trees, a straightforward fell. For anything near a structure, fence, or power line, our expert crew will climb and remove the tree in sections using proper rigging, always in full PPE.

Step 4: Clean-UP and Re-planting Guidance

Debris is chipped and hauled, stumps are addressed as their own step, and where a tree comes down, you get real guidance on replanting with species diversity in mind so one future pest or disease cannot wipe out the whole yard again.

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