Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)

Protect Your Ash Trees – EAB is Here

Without treatment, every untreated ash tree will eventually die from Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) infestation.

EAB was first detected near Highway 287 and Highway 1 and has since spread throughout Fort Collins. Neighborhoods like Campus West and the Airpark are already seeing a large number of dying ash trees.

If you have an ash tree you want to preserve, now is the time to act. Early treatment is the only effective way to protect your tree before irreversible damage occurs.

Not Sure if You Have an Ash Tree?

We would be happy to come take a look and discuss treatment.

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Signs of EAB Infestation

Adult EAB

The adult Emerald Ash Borer is a small, metallic green beetle about ½ inch long. While adults feed on leaves, it’s their larvae that cause the most damage by tunneling under the bark.

Dying Ash Tree

Dying Branches

Upper branches begin to die back, usually starting at the top of the tree (crown dieback). This is a common early symptom of an EAB infestation.

Exit Hoke

D-Shaped Exit Holes

As adults emerge in late spring (May–July), they chew distinctive D-shaped exit holes in the bark—roughly 1/8 inch wide. These are key identifying markers of EAB activity.

EAB Chewed Leaves

EAB-Chewed Leaves

Adult beetles feed on ash leaves, leaving behind small notches or jagged edges. While this damage is minor, it’s a sign that EAB is present.

  • How effective is the treatment for EAB?

    Our treatment method is highly effective. We use trunk injections, which deliver the insecticide directly into the tree’s vascular system—offering superior, long-lasting protection compared to sprays or soil drenches.

    Here in Fort Collins, we haven’t lost a single ash tree that we’ve treated using this method.

    Even in hard-hit areas of the Midwest, where EAB first caused widespread devastation, many treated ash trees are still alive and thriving today—15+ years after initial infestations—thanks to consistent, professional treatment.

    The key is timing: early treatment saves trees. Once EAB damage is too advanced, treatment may no longer be effective. If you have an ash tree you want to protect, don’t wait—start your treatment plan now.

  • If my neighbors don’t treat their ash trees, is mine at higher risk?

    It’s a common concern—and a good question.

    While it’s true that EAB spreads quickly, the best protection for your ash tree is proper treatment. Even if surrounding ash trees are infested or untreated, a correctly treated tree is highly resistant to EAB.

    There are thousands of ash trees and a high population of EAB in our area, so asking neighbors to treat their trees isn’t always realistic. What does make a difference is making sure your tree receives professional trunk injection treatment on the right schedule.

    In short:
    Yes—your treated ash tree can still be protected, even if others nearby are not.

  • What should I do if I don’t want to treat my ash tree?

    If you choose not to treat your ash tree, the best course of action is to remove it proactively—before it becomes infested or declines.

    Waiting too long increases risks:

    • Dead or dying ash trees become brittle and dangerous, making removal more hazardous and expensive.

    • Delaying removal prevents nearby trees or new plantings from filling in the space the ash tree is occupying, slowing down the natural regeneration of your landscape.

    We recommend planning for removal and replacement if you don’t want to commit to ongoing treatment. This keeps your property safer and helps maintain a healthy urban canopy.

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