What is Emerald Ash Borer?

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a highly destructive insect that attacks and kills ash trees. It is native to Asia and was first discovered in Michigan in 2002, likely through the transport of infested wood products. Since then, EAB has spread across the United States and most recently found in Oregon and expected in Washington State and eventually California.

The infestation of EAB has resulted in the loss of tens of millions of ash trees across North America, and it continues to be a serious threat to the health of ash tree populations. Effective management strategies, including early detection and treatment, are essential to prevent the spread and minimize the impact of EAB infestations.

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What can you expect from EAB treatments?

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One treatment provides at least 2 years of Ash protection. The first step in our Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) service is an inspection and free inventory of your ash trees by one of our urban forest specialists. We will evaluate your trees to determine if treatment is still an option. Treatment considerations include:

  • Tree size greater than 10” in diameter.
  • Tree is not competing with other trees, buildings, or infrastructure.
  • Tree shows no more than 30% of canopy decline if an infestation is suspected.

Protecting an Ash tree for 20 years is often less than the cost of removal.

Is Your Ash Tree Worth Protecting? We recommend to treat your ash tree as soon as possible if it is in good health. Our licensed technicians perform EAB treatments by injecting a treatment product into the trunk of the tree above the soil line. The tree’s natural vascular system absorbs the product, allowing it to reach all living parts of the tree, including the leaves, branches, and trunk.

If removing the tree is the best option, we can also provide tree removal and stump grinding services. It is crucial to remove dead ash trees promptly as they become brittle and pose a safety hazard.

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Why choose A PLUS?

For one, we’re very likable, and good people 😉

Two, with over 55 ISA Certified Arborists and Specialists on our team, we are highly skilled in assessing and performing the services that enhance the health and longevity of our Urban Forest canopy.

And three, we’ve partnered with Rainbow Ecoscience in leading the EAB revolution here on the West Coast. Rainbow has pioneered EAB treatments, optimal product formulation, and best management strategies with numerous cities and thousands of US residents. They are the experts when it comes to Emerald Ash Borer, and we’re proud to partner with them in this pest crusade and make us even more awesomer.

Proud to partner with:

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More Frequently Asked Questions about Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)

EAB larvae feed on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting the tree’s ability to transport nutrients and water, ultimately causing the tree to die.

Due to the scarcity of natural predators and the limited natural defenses of ash trees, EAB populations can multiply rapidly each year.

Once an ash tree is infested, the likelihood of its survival is almost zero. The only effective and reliable way to save an ash tree is through proactive treatment.

The cost of treatment is based on the size of the tree and quantity of trees to be treated. Tree size is determined by measuring the DBH (diameter of the tree at breast height, or 4.5 feet off the ground).

Treatments typically range from $85 to $300 per tree and are recommended every two years. Protection costs significantly less than removal and replacement, and you retain the value of a mature tree on your property.

For best results, we recommend Mectinite, with a patented active ingredient emamectin benzoate tree injection formulation. It will provide two-year control with Emerald Ash Borer and many other key pests. The water-based formulation provides fast uptake so treatment takes less time which will cost less money.

As of Spring 2023,  we are looking to expand our partnerships with cities and neighborhoods throughout the Pacific Northwest to treat public trees in parks and along boulevards.

These partnerships would also include a city-wide discount to private property owners. This discount program allows property owners to treat their ash trees at a reduced price.

If you are interested in joining this program, please reach out to us through the contact form!

The cost of removing a tree is based on several variables. A small tree with no obstacles may cost several hundred dollars to remove, while a large, hard-to-access tree will cost thousands.

Additionally, trees in decline are more challenging and costly to remove. Stump removal is also an additional cost.

If you remove a tree, replanting is often required. Depending on the size of the replacement tree and whether you hire a professional to plant it, tree replacement can cost between $150 and $400.

Need Tree Care? We’re here for you.

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