How to Protect Your Ash Trees

How to Protect Your Ash Trees from the Emerald Ash Borer in Texas

The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is one of the most destructive tree pests in North America and it's making its way deeper into Central Texas. If you have Ash trees on your property, now is the time to act.

What Is the Emerald Ash Borer?

The Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis) is an invasive beetle from Asia that targets Ash trees. Its larvae feed beneath the bark, boring into the tree and cutting off the flow of water and nutrients. This internal damage is often fatal. In fact, the EAB has already been responsible for the death of tens of millions of Ash trees across the U.S.

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Where Has It Been Found?

EAB has been detected in 37 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, and its presence in Texas is growing rapidly. As of this year, the beetle has been found in 31 counties, including new infestations in:

• Jack County
• Navarro County
• Somervell County
• Bell County
• Rockwall County

With new reports surfacing each year, the Emerald Ash Borer is moving closer to the Austin, TX and San Antonio, TX regions, putting Ash trees in Central Texas at serious risk.

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What Are the Signs of an EAB Infestation?

Early detection is critical, but the signs of EAB can be subtle until it's too late. Here’s what to watch for:

• S-shaped tunnels beneath the bark, carved by feeding larvae
• D-shaped exit holes on the trunk, where adult beetles emerge
• Dieback at the top of the canopy and thinning foliage
• Splitting or cracking bark
• Unexplained large branch failure
• Increased activity from woodpeckers, which feed on the larvae

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to have your tree inspected by a certified arborist immediately.

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How to Prevent EAB from Killing Your Trees

The only proven method to protect your Ash trees is preventative chemical injection. This treatment delivers a systemic insecticide directly into the tree, where it will kill any EAB larvae that attempt to feed. One application can protect your tree for up to two years.

Important Note: Preventative treatment is most effective before the pest is present. Once an infestation has progressed, it becomes much harder (and more expensive) to save the tree.

At Tree Scouts Tree Service, we have a licensed pesticide applicator on staff and offer expert emerald ash borer treatments as part of our Plant Health Care Program. We're proud to protect trees throughout Leander, Cedar Park, Austin, Round Rock, and beyond.

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Book a Free Tree Health Assessment

If you have Ash trees on your property, don’t wait until it’s too late. Get ahead of the Emerald Ash Borer by scheduling a free consultation with our team.

📞 Call Tree Scouts Tree Service at 512-265-0861
🌐 Or book online at https://www.treescouts.com/contact

Let’s keep your trees healthy, strong, and protected - Scout’s honor. 🌳

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