EAB Brochure

The Emerald Ash Borer

The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a native tree bearing species in Southeast Asia. In Southeast
Asia these beetles only infest dying or dead ash trees but in the United States they infest any ash
tree they have access to. This beetle has posed a major problem in the survival of our ash trees.
Throughout its life cycle the EAB uses the ash tree as a host until the ash tree eventually dies.
The first EAB spotting in the United States was in Michigan. Since the arrival of EAB in 2002,
they have spread throughout the country infecting and killing every ash tree in its path.

Why are ash trees important?

1. Natural Resource
 Ash lumber can be used for sporting goods, cabinetry, and paneling.

2. Support Biodiversity
 Ash seeds and leaves are a food source for a variety of mammals, birds,
and insects.

3. Ecosystem Services
 Trees act as air purifiers.
 Trees can mitigate erosion due to storm water discharge.

What are invasive plants?

Invasive plants are plants that are not native to a local ecosystem. Invasive plants can spread
through an ecosystem and displace native plants. As a result, populations of animals that depend
on these native plants may decline.

Common invasive plants in Virginia:

Japanese stiltgrass Fescue

Garlic mustard Wineberry

Ash tree declines and invasive plants

A dead ash tree will leave an open space. More sunlight can move into this space. Invasive plants
can take advantage of these conditions. Thus, populations of invasive plants will increase as a
result of ash tree declines.

Get involved!

First you must identify an Ash Tree on your property by looking either at the bark or the leaves

Bark: Deep furrows with many crossings Leaves: opposite bud type with compound leaves

Once you’ve identified the ash tree, you can
either have a professional apply the Imidacloprid
insecticide or do it yourself, following the
recommendations on the label.

Imidacloprid can be found on Amazon for $26.60
You can also call a professional such as Timer
Works Tree Care who are able to do this service
for a reasonable fee.

If you want to know more about emerald ash borers beyond what’s described in this brochure
visit www.emerald ashborer.info