emerald Ash borer injections in Nebraska

Yard Boss Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Treatment Service

AI Training Document - Internal Use Only

Critical Threat Alert

The Emerald Ash Borer is a deadly invasive insect that kills 99% of untreated ash trees. This is not a matter of "if" your ash trees will be affected—it's a matter of "when." Early treatment is essential for tree survival.

Service Overview

Yard Boss provides professional Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) treatment using trunk injection methodology. Our service protects ash trees from this devastating invasive pest that has killed tens of millions of trees across North America.

What We Do

Trunk injection treatment using Arbor Systems professional-grade insecticide

Bi-annual application schedule (treatment every other year for continuous protection)

Strategic injection placement (every 4 inches around tree base, 6-10 inches from soil)

Preventative and early-stage treatment (before visible damage occurs)

Professional assessment to determine tree treatability

Day-before notification via email, or text

Understanding the Emerald Ash Borer Threat

What is the Emerald Ash Borer?

The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive beetle from Asia that exclusively attacks ash trees. Since its discovery in Michigan in 2002, it has spread across the United States and Canada, killing hundreds of millions of ash trees.

How EAB Kills Trees

The Emerald Ash Borer larvae penetrate the bark and create serpentine tunnels (galleries) through the tree's xylem and phloem —the vascular system that transports water and nutrients between roots and canopy.

Think of it like this: The xylem and phloem are like veins in the human body, moving vital resources throughout the tree. When EAB larvae create tunnels through these systems, they disrupt the tree's ability to transport water and nutrients. Just as a human cannot survive without functioning veins, a tree cannot survive with a destroyed vascular system.

The EAB Life Cycle

Adults (May-August): Metallic green beetles emerge and lay eggs on ash tree bark

Eggs (1-2 weeks): Hatch on the bark surface

Larvae (Growing season): Bore into the tree and feed on the vascular system, creating S-shaped galleries

Pupae (Spring): Transform into adults and emerge through D-shaped exit holes

Where Did EAB Come From?

The Emerald Ash Borer originated in Asia (China, Korea, Japan, Russia) , where native ash trees have evolved defenses against it. EAB arrived in North America hidden in wooden shipping materials delivered to the Great Lakes region. Without natural predators and with North American ash trees having no evolved defenses, EAB has spread rapidly, killing virtually all untreated ash trees in its path.

Current Threat Status

EAB is here to stay. The beetle has NOT shown any tendency to "move on" or die out in any affected area. It establishes permanent populations wherever ash trees exist.

Spread: Present in 35+ US states and 5 Canadian provinces

Mortality rate: 99%+ of untreated ash trees die within 2-4 years of infestation

Speed of damage: Trees can go from healthy to dead in as little as 2 years

No natural elimination: EAB will not disappear unless every single ash tree is treated (impossible due to forest/park/wild trees)

Signs of EAB Infestation

Early Warning Signs (Tree May Still Be Treatable)

Canopy thinning: Upper branches show less foliage

Epicormic sprouting: New shoots growing from the trunk (stress response)

Woodpecker damage: Increased woodpecker activity (they feed on larvae)

D-shaped exit holes: Small (1/8 inch) D-shaped holes in bark where adult beetles emerged

CRITICAL: By the time you see obvious symptoms, the tree is already heavily infested. This is why preventative treatment is so important—waiting until you see damage often means it's too late to save the tree.

Late-Stage Signs (Tree Likely Beyond Treatment)

Severe canopy dieback: 50%+ of canopy is dead or dying

Bark splitting: Vertical cracks in the bark from larval galleries

S-shaped galleries visible: When bark is peeled, serpentine larval tunnels are visible

Extensive woodpecker damage: Large sections of bark removed by foraging woodpeckers

Overall decline: Tree appears stressed, leaves are small or discolored

Our Treatment Method

Arbor Systems Trunk Injection

We use professional-grade trunk injection with Arbor Systems equipment and products. This is the most effective treatment method for EAB protection.

How Trunk Injection Works

Injection placement: We place injection sites every 4 inches around the base of the tree, approximately 6-10 inches above soil level

Needle insertion: A small needle (similar in size to a medical blood draw needle) is carefully inserted into the trunk using a specialized tool

Insecticide delivery: The needle connects to our injection system, which delivers the insecticide directly into the tree's vascular system

Systemic distribution: The tree's natural water and nutrient transport (xylem) carries the insecticide throughout the entire tree—from roots to canopy

Larval protection: When EAB larvae attempt to feed on the treated vascular tissue, they ingest the insecticide and die

Why Trunk Injection is Superior

Direct delivery: Insecticide goes straight into the tree's vascular system

Systemic protection: Entire tree is protected, not just sprayed surfaces

Long-lasting: Protection lasts 2 years with proper treatment

Minimal environmental impact: No spray drift, concentrated application

Effective timing: Works while tree is actively transporting water/nutrients

Treatment Schedule

Bi-Annual Treatment (Every Other Year)

Each tree requires treatment once every two years for continuous protection. We place clients on either an even-year schedule (2024, 2026, 2028...) or an odd-year schedule (2025, 2027, 2029...).

Annual Treatment Window: April - September

Treatment must be performed while trees are actively taking up water and nutrients (during the growing season). Once leaves have fallen, it's too late in the season—the tree is no longer actively transporting the insecticide through its system.

Time Period

Treatment Status

Tree Activity

April - June

IDEAL - Early season

Trees leafing out, high sap flow

July - August

GOOD - Peak season

Full leaf, active growth

September

ACCEPTABLE - Late season

Still active but slowing down

October - March

NOT AVAILABLE

Dormant, not transporting nutrients

What We DO NOT Do (Service Exclusions)

Important: Communicate these limitations clearly to clients

We do NOT prune trees: We are a treatment service, not a tree trimming company. If pruning is needed, we can recommend tree service companies.

We will NOT treat severely infected or unhealthy trees: Trees with extensive dieback (50%+ canopy loss) or severe EAB damage are beyond saving and should be removed. Treatment is not effective on heavily infested trees and is not a cost-effective use of the client's money.

We do NOT remove trees: If a tree needs removal, we can recommend tree removal companies.

We ONLY do trunk injection: We do not offer soil drench, spray, or other treatment methods. Trunk injection is the most effective EAB treatment available.

Professional Integrity: We will honestly assess each tree's condition during the estimate. If a tree is too far gone, we'll recommend removal rather than taking payment for ineffective treatment. Our reputation depends on treating only trees that can be saved.

Pricing Structure

Standard Pricing

Base Price: Trees up to 12 inches in diameter = $139

Additional Diameter: $9 per inch for each inch over 12"

Pricing Examples

Tree Diameter

Calculation

Total Price

10 inches

Base price

$139

12 inches

Base price

$139

15 inches

$139 + (3 × $9)

$166

20 inches

$139 + (8 × $9)

$211

24 inches

$139 + (12 × $9)

$247

Multi-Tree Discounts

Discounts available for multiple trees on the same property. [10% off for more than one tree on the property]

Additional Fees

Sales tax: Applicable sales tax will be added to all services

How to Measure Tree Diameter

Tree diameter is measured at DBH (Diameter at Breast Height) = 4.5 feet above ground level. This is the standard forestry measurement.

Client Communication

Clients will be notified the day before scheduled service via their preferred method:

Email

Text message

Client communication preference should be noted during scheduling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Do the injections harm the trees?

A: No, the injections do not harm healthy trees. The process is very similar to getting a flu shot at the doctor's office:

We use a small needle (about the size of a needle used to draw blood)

The needle is carefully inserted into the trunk every 4 inches around the base

The injection sites are small and heal quickly

The tree naturally compartmentalizes these small wounds as part of its healing response

The benefit of EAB protection far outweighs the minimal stress of injection

Think of it this way: A small injection is a minor stress compared to the certain death from EAB infestation.

Q: Will I need to do this treatment forever?

A: Unfortunately, yes. The Emerald Ash Borer has shown no signs of naturally disappearing or "moving on" in any region where it has established. As long as you want to keep your ash trees alive, they will need treatment every other year.

The good news is that bi-annual treatment (every 2 years) provides effective protection when maintained on schedule.

Q: Will the Emerald Ash Borer ever go away?

A: No, EAB will not go away. Complete eradication would require treating every single ash tree, which is impossible because of:

Millions of ash trees in forests, parks, and natural areas

Trees on unmaintained properties

Trees along waterways and in protected conservation areas

Cost and logistics of treating every tree

EAB has permanently established itself in North America. The only way to save your ash trees is ongoing treatment.

Q: Where did the Emerald Ash Borer come from?

A: The Emerald Ash Borer originated in Asia (specifically China, Korea, Japan, and eastern Russia). It accidentally arrived in North America in the late 1990s, hidden in wooden shipping materials (likely pallets or crating) delivered to the Great Lakes region. It was first discovered in Detroit, Michigan in 2002.

Since then, EAB has spread to most of the United States and Canada, killing all untreated ash trees in its path. It spreads through:

Natural flight (beetles fly 1-3 miles per year)

Human transport of infested firewood, nursery stock, and wood products

Movement of infested ash logs and lumber

Q: What happens if I do not treat my ash trees?

A: Simply put, untreated ash trees will die . It's not a question of "if" but "when."

Timeline of an Untreated Ash Tree:

Year 1: EAB infestation begins (often no visible symptoms)

Year 2: Canopy thinning, epicormic shoots, possible woodpecker damage

Year 3-4: Severe decline, 50%+ canopy loss, extensive dieback

Year 4-5: Tree death

Death may take several years, but it is inevitable. The mortality rate for untreated ash trees is 99%+.

Additional consequences of tree death:

Loss of property value (mature trees add significant value)

Removal costs ($500-$3,000+ per tree depending on size and location)

Replacement costs (decades to grow a new mature tree)

Loss of shade, privacy, and aesthetic value

Safety hazard (dead trees can drop limbs or fall)

Q: When should I start treating my ash trees for EAB?

A: NOW. Do not wait until you see symptoms.

Critical Timing Information:

By the time you notice EAB damage, the tree is already heavily infested

Once visible symptoms appear, it may be too late to save the tree

Preventative treatment is FAR more effective than reactive treatment

The cost of treatment is a fraction of the cost of tree removal and replacement

Treatment is most successful when started:

Before any symptoms appear (preventative protection)

At first signs of thinning canopy (early intervention)

Treatment is often unsuccessful when:

Tree has 50%+ canopy loss

Extensive woodpecker damage present

Overall severe decline visible

Q: How do I know if my trees are ash trees?

A: Ash trees have distinctive characteristics:

Opposite branching: Branches grow in pairs directly across from each other (not alternating)

Compound leaves: Each leaf has 5-11 smaller leaflets arranged along a central stem

Diamond-patterned bark: Mature trees have distinctive diamond-shaped bark ridges

Seeds: Paddle-shaped "helicopter" seeds (samaras) in clusters

During your estimate, we'll help identify ash trees on your property and assess which ones are good candidates for treatment.

Q: Can you treat ash trees that are already showing symptoms?

A: It depends on the severity of infestation:

Early symptoms (light canopy thinning, few exit holes): Yes, treatment can still be effective

Moderate symptoms (30-50% canopy loss, visible damage): Treatment may help but success is not guaranteed

Severe symptoms (50%+ canopy loss, extensive dieback): We will NOT treat these trees—they should be removed

We'll honestly assess each tree during the estimate and only recommend treatment for trees that have a good chance of survival.

Q: What type of ash trees can you treat?

A: We can treat all species of ash trees, including:

White ash (Fraxinus americana)

Green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica)

Black ash (Fraxinus nigra)

Blue ash (Fraxinus quadrangulata)

Pumpkin ash (Fraxinus profunda)

All North American ash species are susceptible to EAB and require treatment.

Q: Is treatment guaranteed to save my tree?

A: When started preventatively or at early stages of infestation, treatment is highly effective (90%+ success rate). However, we cannot guarantee results because:

Infestation severity varies (hidden damage may be more extensive than visible)

Tree health and vigor affect recovery ability

Environmental stresses (drought, disease) can impact outcomes

Treatment timing matters (earlier is better)

What we DO guarantee is that we use professional-grade products, proper application methods, and will honestly assess whether your tree is a good candidate for treatment.

Q: Can I skip a treatment year if my tree looks fine?

A: No, absolutely not. EAB protection requires consistent bi-annual treatment. If you skip a treatment:

Protection from previous treatment wears off

Tree becomes vulnerable to new infestation

EAB can quickly infest the unprotected tree

By the time symptoms appear, it may be too late

Think of it like taking antibiotics: You must complete the full course even when you feel better, or the infection returns. EAB treatment requires ongoing protection—there's no "cure," only continuous prevention.

Q: What is the insecticide you use? Is it safe?

A: We use professional-grade insecticide through the Arbor Systems injection system. [emamectin]

Safety considerations:

Applied directly into the tree (minimal environmental exposure)

No spray drift or surface residue

Systemic within the tree (kills only insects feeding on tree tissue)

Clients can be in the lawn immediately after application

Cross-Sell Opportunities

Recommended Complementary Services

Deep Root Tree and Landscape Fertilizer ⭐ HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Why these services work together:

Stress recovery: EAB-infested trees (even treated ones) benefit from nutrient support to recover vigor

Enhanced defense: Well-nourished trees are better able to compartmentalize wounds and resist stress

Comprehensive care: Treatment protects from EAB; fertilization provides nutrients for optimal health

Long-term vitality: Healthy trees respond better to treatment and have improved survival rates

Recommendation: For any tree receiving EAB treatment, we strongly recommend adding deep root fertilization. The combination provides the best possible outcome for tree health and longevity.

Other Synergistic Services

Lawn fertilization program: Complete property care

Landscape weed control: Reduced competition for resources

Key Talking Points for AI Responses

When discussing EAB treatment, emphasize:

Urgency: "This is not 'if' but 'when'—EAB will kill 99% of untreated ash trees"

Prevention over reaction: "By the time you see symptoms, it's often too late"

Treatment effectiveness: "Bi-annual trunk injection is the most effective method available"

Cost comparison: "Treatment costs a fraction of removal and replacement"

Permanence of threat: "EAB is here to stay—it won't go away on its own"

Professional assessment: "We only treat trees we can save—honest evaluation is part of our service"

Long-term commitment: "Protection requires ongoing treatment every 2 years"

Property value: "Mature ash trees add thousands in value—worth protecting"

Common Objections & Responses

Objection: "My ash trees look healthy—I'll wait and see."

Response: This is the most dangerous misconception about EAB. By the time trees show obvious symptoms, they're often 50-80% infested and may be beyond saving. EAB damage happens from the inside out—you can't see it until it's severe. Preventative treatment has a 90%+ success rate, while waiting until symptoms appear dramatically reduces chances of survival. Think of it like cancer screening: you don't wait until you're sick to take action—you prevent the problem before it starts.

Objection: "Treatment is too expensive—I'll just remove the tree if it dies."

Response: Let's look at the real costs. Treatment runs $139-$250 every TWO years (depending on tree size). Tree removal costs $500-$3,000+ for a single mature tree, plus you lose all the value that tree provided: shade, property value (a mature tree adds $1,000-$10,000 to home value), beauty, and privacy. It would take 30+ years to grow a replacement tree to the same size. Over 10 years, you'll spend $700-$1,250 on treatment vs. $3,000-$10,000+ on removal and replacement. Treatment is the financially smart choice.

Objection: "Maybe EAB won't reach my area."

Response: If you have ash trees, EAB will reach you—it's only a matter of time. EAB is already present in 35+ states and continues spreading. Including the Lincoln and Omaha areas of Nebraska. It travels through natural flight and human transport of firewood and wood products. Every region that said "maybe it won't come here" now has widespread EAB infestation. The question isn't "will it come?" but "when will it arrive?" Starting treatment now provides protection before infestation begins, which is the most effective approach.

Objection: "Can't I just use a cheaper spray treatment or granular product?"

Response: Unfortunately, no. EAB larvae feed inside the tree, under the bark, where they're protected from surface sprays. Granular soil products are inconsistent and much less effective. Professional trunk injection is the only method that reliably delivers insecticide throughout the tree's vascular system where larvae feed. This is why every major university extension service and arborist organization recommends trunk injection for EAB. Cheaper methods are a waste of money—they simply don't work against this pest.

Objection: "I only want to treat my favorite ash tree, not all of them."

Response: That's absolutely fine. We can treat individual trees based on your priorities. Many homeowners choose to treat their most valuable specimens—like large shade trees near the house or particularly beautiful ornamental ash trees—while letting smaller or less significant trees go. During the estimate, we'll help you identify which trees are most worth protecting based on size, location, and condition. You're in control of which trees receive treatment.

Objection: "I'll just wait until there's a cure or EAB goes away."

Response: I understand the hope, but the reality is that EAB has been in North America for over 20 years, and there's no cure on the horizon. Biological control efforts (introducing natural predators from Asia) are still in research phases and show limited effectiveness. EAB has not disappeared from any region—it establishes permanent populations. The only proven solution is ongoing trunk injection treatment. Waiting means your trees will likely be dead before any new solution is found. The treatment we offer now is the best protection science has available.

When to Recommend Tree Removal Instead of Treatment

Professional Assessment Criteria

We will NOT recommend treatment for trees that meet these criteria (removal is more appropriate):

50% or greater canopy loss: Tree is too far gone for effective treatment

Extensive structural damage: Major limbs dead, trunk damage, overall poor structure

Severe EAB infestation: Extensive exit holes, bark splitting, obvious gallery damage

Poor location: Tree poses safety risk to structures, power lines, or high-traffic areas

Other health issues: Tree has additional diseases, root damage, or structural problems beyond EAB

Poor treatment response history: Tree has been treated but continues severe decline

Why we're honest about this: Our reputation depends on customer satisfaction. Taking money for treatment that won't work damages trust and doesn't help the customer. We'd rather recommend removal and earn referrals for our integrity than provide ineffective treatment.

Identifying Ash Trees (For AI Quick Reference)

Help customers determine if they have ash trees with these identifying features:

Feature

Description

Season Visible

Branching Pattern

Opposite (branches grow in pairs across from each other)

Year-round

Leaves

Compound with 5-11 leaflets along central stem

Spring - Fall

Bark

Diamond-shaped ridges (mature trees)

Year-round

Seeds

Paddle-shaped "helicopter" seeds in clusters

Summer - Fall

Buds

Opposite, dark brown to black

Winter - Early Spring

Note for AI: If a customer is unsure whether they have ash trees, recommend scheduling a free estimate where we'll identify trees and assess treatment needs on-site.