Information for homeowners
1. Do I have an ash tree?:
Emerald ash borer (EAB) only attacks true ash (Fraxinus) trees. So, the first thing to do is determine whether or not your tree is an ash. Mountain ash (Sorbus) is not a true ash so is not at risk.
2. What are my options?:
You've determined you have an ash tree, now what? If EAB is in your region, your ash tree will be attacked by the beetle before long. But you have an option to conserve your tree. If your tree is healthy, an effective insecticide treatment is available to protect it; without the treatment the tree will die and need to be removed.
3. How do I decide whether to treat my tree?:
There are some things to consider before making the decision to treat your ash tree. However, if you are close to, or within an EAB regulated area, decide soon while you still have options - EAB moves quickly. However, be skeptical of high-pressure sales pitches - there are reports of unscrupulous businesses pushing expensive treatments or tree removals.
- Is my tree a good candidate for treatment?
- What are the costs of treating or removing my tree?
- How is the treatment applied?
- What should I know about treatment?
- What can I plant instead?
4. About emerald ash borer:
Want to know more about the beetle threatening your tree? Emerald ash borer arrived accidentally in Canada in solid wood packaging material. Since it was first detected in 2002 near Windsor Ontario, it has spread quickly and is now killing ash in many areas of southern Ontario and southwestern Quebec.
- What trees are at risk, and what is the impact?
- Where is it from and how did it get here?
- Why is it such a big problem here in North America?
- Emerald ash borer identification and biology
- How do I know if a tree is infested with EAB?
- What is being done about EAB?
5. Learn more:
Many municipalities and organizations offer EAB workshops for homeowners, contact your local municipality or search online to find out about workshops in your area.
There are a number of helpful websites, including:
- CFIA is a good source for learning about the current distribution and regulation of EAB in Canada.
- An overview of EAB as well as some Canadian research on the beetle is available from Canadian Forest Service.
- Information for homeowners can be found at EAB Info. Please note - insecticide options described in this U.S. website are not available in Canada.
