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One of the most common questions we hear from Detroit Lakes homeowners right now is a simple one: "How do I even know if I have an ash tree?"
It is the right question to ask. Emerald Ash Borer is confirmed in counties surrounding Becker County and moving our direction. Before you can decide whether to treat and protect your trees — or whether EAB is even a concern for your property — you need to know what you have. Here is exactly how to tell.
The Three Things That Identify an Ash Tree
Ash trees have three specific characteristics that, when you see all three together, confirm what you are looking at. You do not need any tools or expertise — just your eyes and a few minutes in your yard.
1. Opposite Branching
Look at how the branches grow off the main limb. On an ash tree, branches grow directly across from each other in matched pairs — one on the left, one on the right, at the same point on the stem. This is called opposite branching and is one of the most reliable identifiers. Most common trees in Minnesota — oak, maple, basswood — have alternating branches that stagger up the stem. Ash does not.
2. Compound Leaves
An ash leaf is not a single leaf — it is a group of individual leaflets joined along a central stalk, which then attaches to the branch. Each stalk carries five to nine leaflets depending on the...
If you have ash trees on your property here in the Detroit Lakes area, there is a conversation we need to have right now. Emerald Ash Borer has been confirmed in counties surrounding Becker County and is moving northward. The window to protect your trees is open — but it will not stay open forever.
What Is Emerald Ash Borer?
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a highly destructive invasive beetle originally from Asia. Since arriving in the United States in 2002, it has killed tens of millions of ash trees across the country. Minnesota has the highest volume of ash trees in the entire United States — which means the stakes here are particularly high.
The damage is done by the larvae. After adult beetles lay eggs in the bark, the larvae burrow into the tree and feed on the inner tissue that carries water and nutrients. As those feeding tunnels accumulate, the tree is gradually starved. Once symptoms become visible, an untreated tree typically dies within one to three years.
EAB attacks all species of North American ash. Once an ash tree is attacked by EAB, it will be killed if it is not protected.
University of Minnesota Extension — Emerald Ash Borer
How to Tell If You Have an Ash Tree
Before you can protect your trees, you need to know what you have. Ash trees have three identifying characteristics:
Opposite branching — branches grow...
The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive insect that poses a significant threat to ash trees. This destructive pest has already devastated ash tree populations across North America, and while it may not yet be confirmed in our immediate area, it's crucial for homeowners to be proactive in protecting their valuable trees.
What is Emerald Ash Borer?
EAB is a small, metallic-green beetle that lays its eggs on ash trees. The larvae then bore into the tree's bark, feeding on the inner tissues that transport water and nutrients. This disrupts the tree's ability to survive, eventually leading to its death.
The Threat to Our Community
While EAB hasn't been officially confirmed in our specific location, it's present in nearby regions and is expected to arrive soon. Because EAB can spread rapidly, it's essential to take preventative measures before an infestation occurs. Early detection and treatment are the most effective ways to save your ash trees.
Our Proactive Solution: Preventative Tree Injections
Our landscape company is now offering a specialized tree injection service that provides effective preventative protection against Emerald Ash Borer. This treatment involves injecting a safe and effective insecticide directly into the tree, which protects it for up to two years.
Benefits of Preventative Treatment:
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