What Property Owners Need to Know
The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive insect responsible for the destruction of millions of ash trees throughout the Midwest, including across St. Louis and surrounding Missouri communities. Once an ash tree becomes infested, the damage can progress quickly, leading to dead limbs, structural weakness, and eventual tree failure.
For homeowners, commercial property managers, and municipalities, early detection and professional treatment are critical.
What Is the Emerald Ash Borer?
The Emerald Ash Borer is a small metallic green beetle originally from Asia. While adult beetles feed on ash tree leaves, the real damage comes from the larvae beneath the bark.
As larvae tunnel through the tree, they destroy the vascular system responsible for transporting water and nutrients. Over time, the tree becomes stressed, begins to decline, and eventually dies.
Signs Your Ash Tree May Be Infested
Common signs of Emerald Ash Borer activity include:
- Thinning leaves in the upper canopy
- Dead or dying branches
- Vertical bark splitting
- Increased woodpecker activity
- Small D-shaped exit holes in the bark
- New shoots growing from the base of the tree
By the time these symptoms appear, significant internal damage may already exist.
Can Ash Trees Be Saved?
In many cases, yes. Healthy or lightly infested ash trees can often be treated with professional injectable insecticide treatments.
Treatment is most effective when started early. Severely damaged trees may require removal if they become hazardous or structurally unsafe.
An experienced arborist can help determine:
- Whether treatment is worthwhile
- The overall health of the tree
- Potential safety risks
- Long-term maintenance options
Professional Ash Tree Care in St. Louis
Ray’s Tree Service helps homeowners and businesses throughout the St. Louis region evaluate, treat, and safely remove ash trees affected by Emerald Ash Borer.
Whether you need preventative treatment or hazardous tree removal, our crews provide professional tree care designed to protect your property and improve safety.
