For homeowners
How do I know if my ash tree has emerald ash borer?
Short answer
Signs include thinning in the upper crown, D-shaped exit holes in the bark, woodpecker damage, and new shoots low on the trunk. Check your state's official pest map, since the range changes. A certified arborist can confirm the cause and talk about treatment or removal.
By Umair Nawaz. Published October 25, 2026. General information, not legal, tax or insurance advice.
The longer answer
Emerald ash borer is a beetle whose larvae feed under the bark of ash trees and cut off the flow of water and nutrients. It is a serious pest of ash in many parts of the United States.
Common signs are a crown that thins from the top, branches that die, small D-shaped holes in the bark, more woodpecker activity, and sprouts from the base of the trunk. Bark may split over winding tunnels under it.
Because the pest has spread over the years, as of 2026 check your state's official map from the department of agriculture or USDA APHIS to see if it is in your area.
Options can include treatment, which some arborists use to protect healthy ash, or removal of trees that are already badly declining. A dying ash can become brittle and dangerous, so ask a pro to do the work.
More answers for homeowners
- How do I prepare my yard before a tree crew arrives?Read the answer
- How do I prune a palm tree?Read the answer
- How do I prune a tree branch that is too high to reach?Read the answer
- How do I shape a young tree?Read the answer
- How long does it take to clean up after a storm?Read the answer
- How long does tree removal take?Read the answer
Hiring a tree service?
Plain guides for homeowners
Safety first: stay away from downed power lines and call the utility; call 911 if anyone is in danger. Lirevon does not do tree work. Find local pros on Google Maps and read their reviews, then get two or three written quotes.
Own a tree service?
We help tree companies answer every call and book more jobs. See services, pricing or a free audit.