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Emerald Ash Borer

Emerald Ash Borer
Emerald Ash Borer (click to see enlarged photo)
Photograph credit: David Cappaert,
http://www.forestryimages.org/

Please note: If you have ash trees. Stop and learn more before you act. The potential threat of emerald ash borer (EAB) is real; however, acting without understanding the specific threat to your trees, regulations and quarantines, and your options, could cause the unnecessary loss of treasured shade trees, or loss of substantial income from your woodlot.

For more information, please see the links in the left and right hand columns of this page.

The emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) was first discovered in the U.S. in 2002 in southeastern Michigan. It was also found in Windsor, Ontario the same year. This Asian beetle infests and kills North American ash species (Fraxinus sp.) including green, white, black and blue ash. Thus, all native ash trees are susceptible. Adult beetles leave distinctive D-shaped exit holes in the outer bark of the branches and the trunk. Adults are roughly 3/8 to 5/8 inch long with metallic green wing covers and a coppery red or purple abdomen. They may be present from late May through early September but are most common in June and July. Signs of infection include tree canopy dieback, yellowing, and browning of leaves.

Map showing 50 and 100 mile buffers around known emerald ash borer sites outside New York State. These buffers reach into western and northern New York.
Map showing 50 and 100 mile buffers around
known eab sites outside of New York State.
These buffer areas reach into western and northern NY.
Click to view enlarged image.

Most trees die within 2 to 4 years of becoming infested. The emerald ash borer is responsible for the destruction of over 50 million ash trees in the U.S. since its discovery in Michigan.

After reviewing the identification material on this website, if you think you have EAB, call the Department's Forest Health Section at 518-402-9425.

More about Emerald Ash Borer: