Situation Awareness Level: CRITICAL
Emerald ash borer (EAB) is a destructive insect pest that attacks and kills all species of ash trees (Fraxinus genus) native to North America. EAB is native to Asia and has no natural enemies in North America. 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.
The first infestation of EAB in Minnesota was discovered in Saint Paul in 2009, though it is believed that it arrived as early as 2004. While EAB spread starts slowly—usually undetected in the upper canopy of ash trees—it reproduces exponentially and advances quickly to kill all of a community’s ash trees, usually within 10-15 years of arrival. Now 17 years in (2004-2021), EAB in Saint Paul has reached a critical stage.
EAB in Saint Paul:
- Homeowner's Guide to EAB - information to help homeowner's decide what to do with the ash tree in a private yard.
- EAB FAQ - answers to our most commonly asked questions regarding EAB.
- City-wide EAB Management Strategies - information about how the City is working to minimize the impacts of EAB.
- Structured Removal - plans and timelines for current and future ash removals.
- Parkland Ash Tree Management - information on how the City is managing EAB in parks.
- Boulevard Ash Tree Management Map - see boulevard ash locations, ash trees being treated by the city, and ash trees to be removed through structured removal.
EAB in Minnesota & Nationwide:
Emerald ash borer was first discovered in SE Michigan in 2002, but it is thought to have been present since the early 1990's. Since its' arrival to North America, it has spread to numerous states and Canadian provinces. Check the links below for the most up-to-date statewide and nationwide EAB information.
Resources:
Emerald Ash Borer Information Network
