Insects & Pests
Emerald Ash Borer
Emerald ash borer is one of the most destructive tree pests in Michigan. If an ash tree is declining, thinning, or showing bark and canopy damage, quick identification matters because this insect can cause severe decline and death over time.
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On this page
What is it?
Signs & symptoms
What causes it
Trees affected
When to act
How we help
Prevention tips
FAQs
Spotted these symptoms?
An ISA Certified Arborist can confirm what's going on with your tree.
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Overview
What is Emerald Ash Borer?
Emerald ash borer is an invasive wood-boring insect that attacks ash trees. The larvae feed beneath the bark and disrupt the tree's ability to move water and nutrients. Once an infestation becomes established, decline can accelerate, and untreated trees often continue to worsen over time.
When you'll see it in Michigan
Jan
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Overview
Common signs & symptoms
Check each one you're seeing on your tree — your match strength updates below.
Root Cause
What Causes Emerald Ash Borer Problems?
The damage comes from larvae feeding under the bark of ash trees. Because that feeding cuts off the tree's transport system, visible symptoms often appear only after the infestation is already affecting overall health. Stress can make decline more noticeable, but the underlying problem is the insect itself.
Plants at Risk
Trees Commonly Affected
Emerald ash borer targets ash trees. White ash, green ash, and other ash species can all be affected. If a tree is not an ash, the issue is something else, but ash trees showing decline should always be taken seriously.
Red Flags
When Should You Act?
You should act as soon as an ash tree shows possible symptoms or if you know ash trees on the property have not been evaluated recently. Waiting too long can reduce available treatment options and increase the chance of severe decline. With emerald ash borer, timing is especially important.
Severe
Our Approach
How My Arborist helps
My Arborist can evaluate whether an ash tree is showing signs consistent with emerald ash borer and determine its current condition. If the tree is a candidate for treatment, our ISA Certified Arborists can recommend the appropriate next step based on tree health, infestation pressure, and timing. In some situations, treatment may help preserve a tree. In others, the focus may shift to safety and long-term property planning.
01
Disease evaluation
Confirm the diagnosis before treating
02
Customized plan
Based on the severity of problem
03
Long-term focus
Property planning
Stay Ahead
Prevention tips
Know which trees on your property are ash trees
Do not wait for major canopy loss before seeking an evaluation
Monitor ash trees regularly for decline, sprouts, and bark symptoms
Address tree stress early so problems are not overlooked
Have ash trees assessed before decline becomes advanced
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions
What does emerald ash borer damage look like?
Common signs include canopy thinning, branch dieback, bark splitting, trunk sprouts, woodpecker activity, and D-shaped exit holes.
Can an ash tree be saved?
Some ash trees can be preserved when they are identified early enough and are still good candidates for treatment. Timing and tree condition matter.
How fast does emerald ash borer kill a tree?
It can take a few years for decline to become severe, but once infestation pressure increases, deterioration can speed up.
Are all ash trees at risk?
Yes, ash trees are the primary target of emerald ash borer and should be monitored closely.
Should I wait until I see exit holes?
No. Visible exit holes can appear after infestation is already advanced, so it is better to evaluate a tree earlier.
Keep Exploring
Related insect & pest problems
Scale Insects
Small bumps stuck to bark or leaves
Boxwood Problems
Complex fungal and environmental
Bagworms
Destructive caterpillar pests
CONSULTATION
Concerned about an ash tree on your property?
My Arborist can assess whether emerald ash borer may be involved and recommend the best next step based on the tree's condition.
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