Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)


Woodpecker holes and outer bark removal are the most common visual symptoms to detect EAB, both of which are evident on the infested ash tree found in Mounds View. When the bark was pulled back, the S-shaped galleries and larvae were found in the tree, confirming the presence of the insect.

  1. Be sure you’ve identified an ash tree. This is an important first step since EAB only feeds on ash trees. Ash have opposite branching – meaning branches come off the trunk directly across from each other. On older trees, the bark is in a tight, diamond-shaped pattern. Younger trees have a relatively smooth bark. 

  2. Look for woodpecker damage. Woodpeckers like EAB larvae and woodpecker holes may indicate the presence of EAB. 

  3. Check for bark cracks. EAB larvae tunneling under the bark can cause the bark to split open, revealing the larval (S-shaped) tunnels underneath. 

  4. Contact a professional. If you feel your ash tree may be infested with EAB, contact a licensed tree care professional, the City Forestry voicemail hotline, 763-717-4065 or email publicworks@moundsviewmn.org, or the MDA at arrest.the.pest@state.mn.us or 888-545-6684 (voicemail). 

Emerald ash borer larvae kill ash trees by tunneling under the bark and feeding on the part of the tree that moves nutrients up and down the trunk. Ash trees are often killed in about four years, although it can take as little as two years.  Minnesota is highly susceptible to the destruction caused by this invasive insect. The state has approximately one billion ash trees, the most of any state in the nation.

The biggest risk of spreading EAB comes from people unknowingly moving firewood or other ash products harboring larvae. There are three easy steps residents can take to keep EAB from spreading:

  • Don’t transport firewood. Buy firewood locally from approved vendors, and burn it where you buy it; and

  • Be aware of the quarantine restrictions. If you live in a quarantined county, be aware of the restrictions on movement of products such as ash trees, wood chips, and firewood; and,

  • Watch your ash trees for infestation. If you think your ash tree is infested, go to www.mda.state.mn.us/eab and use the guide “Does my tree have emerald ash borer?”

Here’s the link for the Department of Agriculture webmap for Emerald Ash Borer in the State of Minnesota. For more information on emerald ash borer, go to www.mda.state.mn.us/eab. List of Licensed Mounds View Tree Contractors: 2018 License Tree Contractor's