Emerald Ash Borer
What is Emerald Ash Borer?
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an insect responsible for the destruction of millions ash trees throughout the United States. Emerald Ash Borer was found in Boulder, CO in September 2013. As a non-native insect, EAB lacks predators to keep it in check. EAB only attacks Ash trees. It is estimated that Ash trees comprise approximately 15% of Colorado's urban forest and that there are 22,600 ash trees in the City of Englewood.
Not sure if you have an ash tree?
Ash trees have the following characteristics:
- Leaves are compound, meaning multiple leaflets occur on a common stalk and typically include five to nine leaflets.
- Leaflets are smooth or finely toothed along the edges
- Seeds on female trees are paddle shaped
- Branches and buds grow in pairs, directly opposite from each other.
- Mature bark displays diamond-shaped ridges.
What you can do as a homeowner*:
- Determine now if you have an ash tree - download the free app EAB/Ash Tree ID or visit csfs.colostate.edu/emerald-ash-borer for help in identifying if you have an ash tree
- If you have an ash tree, start planning - Decide if the overall health of the tree merits current or future treatment or if it would be best to remove and replace it with a different species. If you aren't sure, contract a certified arborist. If pesticide treatment is the preferred option, the applicator must be licensed by the City of Englewood and the Colorado Department of Agriculture as a Commercial Pesticide Applicator.
- Recognize signs of EAB infestation - Property owners with ash trees should be on the lookout for thinning of leaves in the upper canopy, 1/8-inch D-shaped holes on the bark and vertical bark splitting with winding S-shaped tunnels underneath. Report suspect trees by calling the Colorado Department of Agriculture at 1-888-248-5535 or by filling out their EAB Report Form at https://colorado.gov/pacific/agplants/eab9identification-and-reporting.
- Be aware of EAB imposters - Other insects like lilac/ash borer, ash bark beetle and flat-headed apple tree borer may look like EAB or cause similar tree symptoms. For more information, visit www.eabcolorado.com.
- Help prevent further spread of EAB - Do not transport ash or any hardwood firewood, or any other untreated ash wood products, to other locations.
*Information provided by the Colorado Emerald Ash Borer Response Team
Additional resources:
Emerald Ash Borer Quick Guide
www.eabcolorado.com
emeraldashborer.info
dontmovefirewood.org
More information on the Emerald Ash Borer can be found on the links below:
Colorado Department of Agriculture
Emerald Ash Borer Map
Mark this map to track where Ash trees and the Emerald Ash Borers are in the City of Englewood. Questioning if there is an Emerald Ash Borer in your ash tree? Mark the map and upload a photo, and let us know!
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