Emerald Ash Borer Treatment
The Emerald Ash Borer has killed tens of millions of ash trees across the Midwest. If you have ash trees on your property, treatment is the only way to save them. We offer proven trunk injection treatments that work.
The Threat
Every Untreated Ash Tree in Indiana Will Die
That's not an exaggeration. The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive beetle from Asia that was first detected in Indiana in 2004. Since then, it has spread to every county in the state. Without treatment, EAB kills 100% of ash trees it infests — typically within 3 to 5 years.
The good news: treatment works. Ash trees that receive regular trunk injections can be saved, even in areas with heavy EAB pressure. The treatment protects the tree from the inside out, killing the larvae that feed beneath the bark and preventing new infestations.
Warning Signs
How to Tell If Your Ash Tree Is Infested
EAB damage starts at the top of the tree and works its way down. By the time you notice problems from the ground, the infestation may already be advanced. Here's what to look for.
Canopy Thinning
The first sign is usually thinning or dieback at the top of the tree. Leaves become sparse, and branches at the crown start to die. You may notice more sunlight coming through than in previous years.
D-Shaped Exit Holes
Adult beetles leave distinctive D-shaped holes in the bark when they emerge in spring. These holes are small (about 1/8 inch) but unmistakable. Check the trunk and major branches.
S-Shaped Galleries
If you peel back loose bark, you'll find serpentine (S-shaped) tunnels carved by the larvae as they feed. These tunnels disrupt the tree's ability to transport water and nutrients.
Sprouting at the Base
When the upper canopy starts dying, the tree may send out new shoots (suckers) from the trunk or base as a survival response. This "last-ditch effort" growth is a sign the tree is under serious stress.
Bark Splitting
As larvae tunnel beneath the bark, the outer bark may crack and split, revealing the S-shaped galleries underneath. This is more common on younger trees with thinner bark.
Woodpecker Damage
Woodpeckers feed on EAB larvae and can be among the first indicators of infestation. If you notice heavy woodpecker activity on your ash trees, it's worth having them inspected.
How We Treat
Our EAB Treatment Process
We use trunk injection — the most effective method for EAB control. The insecticide is delivered directly into the tree's vascular system, where it protects from the inside out.
Tree Assessment
We evaluate each ash tree on your property for health, size, and any existing EAB damage. Trees with less than 50% canopy loss are typically good candidates for treatment. We'll be honest if a tree is too far gone to save.
Trunk Injection
Small injection ports are placed at the base of the trunk. The treatment is delivered directly into the tree's vascular system, where it circulates throughout the canopy. The process takes about 30-60 minutes per tree depending on size.
Full-Season Protection
One treatment protects your tree for up to two years. The insecticide is systemic — it moves through the tree and kills EAB larvae as they feed beneath the bark. No spraying, no drift, no impact on surrounding plants.
Ongoing Monitoring
We schedule follow-up treatments on a two-year cycle and monitor your trees for any signs of new activity. As long as treatments continue, your ash trees can live a full, healthy life.
Why Treat
Treatment Costs a Fraction of Removal
Removing a large ash tree can cost $1,500 to $3,000 or more, plus stump grinding. Treatment typically costs a fraction of that and preserves a tree that may be worth thousands in property value, shade, and curb appeal.
Mature ash trees provide significant benefits: energy savings from summer shade, increased property value, stormwater management, and beauty that takes decades to replace. Treatment lets you keep all of that.
- Treatment every two years — far less than removal cost
- Preserves property value and curb appeal
- No spraying — injection is targeted and contained
- Licensed and applied by trained technicians
- Safe for people, pets, and pollinators
Common Questions
EAB Treatment FAQ
Ash trees have compound leaves with 5-9 leaflets arranged opposite each other on the branch. The bark on mature trees has a distinct diamond-shaped ridge pattern. If you're not sure, we're happy to come out and identify your trees for free — just give us a call.
If your tree still has more than 50% of its canopy, treatment can usually save it. Trees that have lost more than half their canopy may not recover even with treatment, and removal becomes the safer option. The earlier you start, the better the outcome.
We recommend treatment every two years for consistent protection. Some products offer one-year protection, but the two-year cycle provides better long-term value and keeps your tree continuously protected. We'll remind you when it's time.
The ideal window is mid-April through June, when the tree is actively taking up water and can distribute the treatment throughout its canopy. However, treatments can be effective from spring through early fall. We'll schedule based on what's best for your specific trees.
The injection ports are very small and the tree seals them naturally within a few weeks, just like it would seal a small wound from a branch breaking. The minor stress from injection is nothing compared to the damage EAB would cause without treatment.