Canopy Thinning
Decline often becomes noticeable toward the upper portion of the crown as vascular damage progresses.
Ash Tree Preservation
Emerald Ash Borer Treatment in Nashville and Middle Tennessee
Emerald Ash Borer can kill otherwise healthy ash trees if they are left unprotected. GreenRoots evaluates ash trees and provides professional trunk injection treatments to help preserve healthy, valuable ash trees throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee.
EAB Treatment Price
$12 per inch of DBH
Minimum Treatment Price
$120
What Is Emerald Ash Borer?
Emerald Ash Borer, often shortened to EAB, is an invasive wood-boring beetle that attacks ash trees. The larvae feed beneath the bark and damage tissues involved in moving water and nutrients through the tree.
Early infestations can be difficult to recognize from the ground because much of the damage occurs beneath the bark. Visible canopy decline may not become obvious until the infestation has progressed.
USDA APHIS identifies Emerald Ash Borer as an invasive pest capable of attacking healthy ash trees. Signs can include upper-canopy dieback, bark cracks, epicormic shoots, woodpecker activity, larval galleries, and D-shaped exit holes. Learn more from USDA APHIS.
Signs of Emerald Ash Borer
D-Shaped Exit Holes
Adult Emerald Ash Borers can leave small D-shaped holes in the bark when they emerge from the tree.
Bark Splitting
Vertical cracks or splits may appear over areas where larval feeding has occurred beneath the bark.
Woodpecker Activity
Increased woodpecker feeding and bark removal can indicate insect activity beneath the bark.
Epicormic Shoots
Stressed ash trees may produce vigorous shoots from the trunk or larger branches as the upper canopy declines.
Larval Galleries
Feeding beneath the bark can create winding galleries that may become visible when loose bark is removed.
Should Your Ash Tree Be Treated or Removed?
Healthy ash trees can often be candidates for long-term preservation with professionally applied systemic treatment. The decision depends on more than simply identifying the pest.
We consider the tree's health, structure, location, size, landscape value, amount of canopy decline, and whether continued treatment makes sense for the property.
We consider:
- Current canopy condition
- Structural condition
- Tree size
- Location and surrounding targets
- Landscape and shade value
- Existing EAB symptoms
- Long-term treatment commitment
- Eventual removal considerations
Do Not Wait for Severe Canopy Decline
Treatment is generally a better preservation option while an ash tree still has substantial healthy canopy. Waiting until major dieback develops can substantially change the preserve-or-remove decision.
Tree Condition Matters
Purdue University recommends against attempting to preserve ash trees with insecticides when more than approximately 30 percent of the canopy has already been lost.
Read Purdue University's Emerald Ash Borer management guidance.
Professional Trunk Injection Treatment
GreenRoots uses professional trunk injection when systemic EAB treatment is appropriate. Treatment is introduced directly into the tree and moves through the vascular system.
Protecting an ash tree from Emerald Ash Borer is an ongoing management strategy. Trees selected for preservation require future monitoring and retreatment according to the treatment program being used.
Our process may include:
- Confirming ash species
- Evaluating canopy condition
- Looking for EAB symptoms
- Evaluating structural condition
- Measuring trunk diameter
- Applying systemic trunk injection
- Establishing a future treatment schedule
Emerald Ash Borer Treatment Cost Calculator
GreenRoots charges $12 per inch of trunk diameter at breast height, with a $120 minimum treatment price. Enter your tree's DBH below for a quick treatment estimate.
Measure trunk diameter approximately 4.5 feet above the ground.
Estimated Treatment Price
Enter DBH
Treatment pricing is $12 per DBH inch with a $120 minimum.
EAB Treatment Does Not Correct Every Tree Problem
Emerald Ash Borer treatment addresses a specific insect threat. It does not repair decay, structural defects, root damage, poor drainage, soil compaction, planting problems, or unrelated diseases.
That is why GreenRoots evaluates the whole tree before recommending treatment. A healthy, structurally appropriate ash tree may be an excellent preservation candidate. A tree with serious unrelated problems may need a different management plan.
Why Choose GreenRoots for Emerald Ash Borer Treatment?
Board Certified Master Arborist Leadership
Treatment recommendations consider tree health, structure, site conditions, and long-term preservation value.
Transparent Pricing
EAB treatment is priced at $12 per inch of DBH with a $120 minimum, so you can estimate treatment cost before scheduling an evaluation.
Professional Trunk Injection
We use professional application equipment and systemic treatment methods designed specifically for tree care.
Straightforward Advice
If treatment makes sense, we will explain the long-term commitment. If preservation is no longer reasonable, we will tell you that as well.
Related Tree Care Services
Plant Health Care
EAB treatment is one part of a broader approach to insects, diseases, soil conditions, and environmental stress.
Tree and Shrub Diagnosis
Canopy decline can have several causes. Diagnosis can help determine whether EAB or another problem is involved.
Tree Risk Assessment
Severely declining ash trees may need evaluation for structural defects and potential failure.
Emerald Ash Borer Treatment Service Areas
GreenRoots provides Emerald Ash Borer evaluation and treatment throughout Nashville and communities across Middle Tennessee.
EAB Treatment in Nashville, TN
EAB Treatment in Franklin, TN
EAB Treatment in Murfreesboro, TN
EAB Treatment in Clarksville, TN
EAB Treatment in Mt. Juliet, TN
EAB Treatment in Lebanon, TN
EAB Treatment in Smyrna, TN
EAB Treatment in Springfield, TN
EAB Treatment in Portland, TN
EAB Treatment in Westmoreland, TN
EAB Treatment in Lafayette, TN
EAB Treatment in Red Boiling Springs, TN
Frequently Asked Questions About Emerald Ash Borer
How much does Emerald Ash Borer treatment cost?
GreenRoots charges $12 per inch of DBH for Emerald Ash Borer treatment, with a $120 minimum treatment price. For example, a 20-inch DBH ash tree would have an estimated treatment price of $240.
Can Emerald Ash Borer kill a healthy ash tree?
Yes. Healthy ash trees can be attacked by Emerald Ash Borer. Treatment is generally better considered before substantial canopy decline develops.
Can an ash tree with Emerald Ash Borer be saved?
Many ash trees can be candidates for systemic treatment if they still have sufficient healthy canopy and are otherwise appropriate for preservation.
How is Emerald Ash Borer treated?
GreenRoots uses professional systemic trunk injection when appropriate. Treatment is introduced directly into the tree and transported through the vascular system.
Is EAB treatment permanent?
No. Preserving an ash tree from Emerald Ash Borer requires ongoing management and periodic retreatment.
Should every ash tree be treated?
No. Treatment makes the most sense for trees that are healthy enough to preserve and valuable enough to justify continued management.
Protect Valuable Ash Trees Before Severe Decline Develops
If you have a mature ash tree you would like to preserve, GreenRoots can evaluate its condition and determine whether Emerald Ash Borer treatment is appropriate.