It certainly wasn’t a very Merry Christmas for the city of Eagan. During a routine inspection in Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan on December 23, 2014, the first discovery of the devastating Emerald Ash Borer Beetle (EAB) was made in Dakota County, Minnesota.

An entomologist with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture has since verified the infestation and Dakota County now joins Hennepin, Ramsey, Olmsted, Houston, and Winona counties under state and federal quarantine to help protect against the spread of Emerald Ash Borer.

Why is containing the spread of Emerald Ash Borer important?

• Since its discovery in 2002, the Emerald Ash Borer Beetle has killed millions of trees in North America
• The State of Minnesota has over 1 billion ash trees; all of which could potentially be at risk of infection and eventual death
• The continued spread of this devastating pest could have a severe financial and visual effect on the state of Minnesota

What can I do to prevent the spread of Emerald Ash Borer?

• Don’t transport firewood!! Buy firewood locally, and burn it where you buy it!!
• Be aware of the various quarantine restrictions on the various Minnesota Counties.
• Watch your trees for Emerald Ash Borer infestation. Symptoms include: Excessive wood pecker activity, as they feed on the larva living inside your tree; Canopy die back; Sprouts growing at the base of an Ash Tree, known as Epicormic sprouts; and 1/8 inch D shaped exit holes in the bark of your tree.

If you think your Ash Tree may be infected with Emerald Ash Borer contact a tree care professional immediately. Early detection and treatment can be the difference between life and death for your tree. Early detection can also help contain the spread of this devastating pest.

For further information regarding Emerald Ash Borer in the Minnesota Twin Cities Metropolitan area, including the risks and treatment options, visit www.sltreeservice.com to arrange a free consultation.