The entire metro area is now considered to be generally infested with EAB

There are several things residents should look for when checking for emerald ash borer.

  1. Be sure you’ve identified an ash tree. This is an important first step since EAB only feeds on ash trees. Ashes have opposite branching – meaning branches come off the trunk directly across from each other. On older trees, the bark is in a tight, diamond-shaped pattern. Younger trees have a relatively smooth bark.
  2. Look for woodpecker damage. Woodpeckers like EAB larvae and woodpecker holes may indicate the presence of EAB.
  3. Check for bark cracks. EAB larvae tunneling under the bark can cause the bark to split open, revealing the larval (S-shaped) tunnels underneath.
  4. Contact a professional. If you feel your ash tree may be infested with EAB, contact a tree care professional, your city forester, or the MDA at arrest.the.pest@state.mn.us or 888-545-6684.

Anoka County is under quarantine and joins Dakota, Hennepin, Houston, Olmsted, Ramsey, and Winona counties in a state and federal quarantine. The quarantine is in place to help prevent EAB from spreading outside a known infested area. It is designed to limit the movement of any items that may be infested with EAB, including ash trees and ash tree limbs, as well as all hardwood firewood.

Emerald ash borer larvae kill ash trees by tunneling into the wood and feeding on the tree’s nutrients. Since its accidental introduction into North America, EAB has killed tens of millions of ash trees in 24 states. The invasive insect was first discovered in Minnesota in 2009.

Minnesota is highly susceptible to the destruction caused by EAB. The state has approximately one billion ash trees, the most of any state in the nation.

The biggest risk of spreading EAB comes from people unknowingly moving firewood or other ash products harboring larvae. There are three easy steps Minnesotans can take to keep EAB from spreading:

  • Don’t transport firewood. Buy firewood locally from approved vendors, and burn it where you buy it;
  • Be aware of the quarantine restrictions. If you live in a quarantined county, be aware of the restrictions on movement of products such as ash trees, wood chips, and firewood; and,
  • Watch your ash trees for infestation. If you think your ash tree is infested, go to www.mda.state.mn.us and use the “Do I Have Emerald Ash Borer?”
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This is the news we were hoping wouldn't come, but it was inevitable considering the pattern of other urban areas with emerald ash borer.

The first step is education. Learn what you can about this destructive pest and it's host, the ash tree. The following link has continuously updated information: emeraldashborer.info
At Best Lawn Care our ISA CertifieArborist can help you way through the different treatment options and come up with a treatment plan that's right for your ash trees. We'll help you decide which trees to treat or how often to treat them.

Preventative treatments are the most effective. If you live within 10-15 miles of an infestation, now may be the time to start caring for your trees. Home owners can successfully treat small trees, but medium to larger trees need professional care. To better understand the insecticide treatment options, please read the following brochure: Insecticide Options for Protecting Ash Trees from Emerald Ash Borer 

For Any questions or comments, please call 763-434-8595. Or use our BID/CONTACT form.