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Emerald Ash Borer

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1. What is Emerald Ash Borer?

Emerald ash borer is a non-native insect that attacks and kills all species of ash trees native to the U.S. The adults are small, iridescent green beetles that live outside of trees during the summer months. The larvae are grub or worm-like and live underneath the bark of ash trees. Trees are killed by the tunneling of the larvae under the tree's bark.
EAB is native to eastern Asia but was discovered in Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario in 2002. Indications are it may have been introduced to this area as early 1990.

2. How might I know if a tree is infested with EAB?

It is very difficult to detect EAB in ash trees. It is recommended that you first visit the MDA website (listed above under "Additional Information, Resources, and Past EAB News ") and follow the guide under the heading, "Do I have Emerald Ash Borer".

3. What should I do if I think a tree is infested with EAB?

First, visit the MDA website to find out more about EAB: http://www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/pestmanagement/eab.aspx
Look at the "Do I Have Emerald Ash Borer" and "Ash Tree ID" pdfs.
Call Saint Paul Forestry if you are concerned about a Public Property tree at 651-632-5129
Call the MDA Arrest the Pest Hotline at 651-201-6684 or 888-545-6684 for trees on Private Property.
DO NOT transport any firewood out of Ramsey or Hennepin Counties-both have been put under state quarantine. It is illegal to transport any ash material from Ramsey or Hennepin Counties. EAB are easily transported and it is important to contain the infestation as best we can. If you need firewood, use firewood that has been cut locally. Transportation of firewood is believed to be one of the main methods of spreading the infestation.

4. What is Saint Paul doing to deal with this problem?

The MN State Departments of Agriculture and Natural Resources finished a comprehensive survey and assessment of the area in which the infestation was discovered (St. Anthony Park) and will develop plans for addressing the issue. The City will cooperate fully with the state departments on mitigation strategies, develop disposal systems for the trees that are required to be removed and otherwise comply fully with all recommendations.

Parks and Recreation will do everything we can to protect our tree canopy. Saint Paul has been preparing for this for some time. For over 5 years, we have been increasing the diversity of the tree species in Saint Paul and have not replaced or replanted Ash trees.

5. How Can People Help?

Do not transport firewood to or from the Saint Paul area. Use firewood cut locally.
Educate yourself and others. Visit the many links listed above to learn more about this invasive pest.
Don't import materials to Minnesota that could harbor EAB such as ash firewood. Become knowledgeable about recognizing EAB and remain vigilant to the condition of your ash trees.

Care for the trees you have: proper watering and mulching will help to ensure the vitality of our urban forest.

If you are interested in helping Saint Paul replant trees and maintain the city's urban landscape, you may make a tree donation.

Donation Information