emerald Ash borer injections in Boys Town

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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)

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

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.