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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...