Emerald Ash Borer Treatment
Emerald ash borer has been confirmed in Oregon since 2022 and is spreading through the Portland metro area. Every ash tree in the region is now at risk, but the right response isn't the same for every tree. A high-value specimen in good health calls for a different approach than a declining tree in a difficult location or a grove where staggering treatment of trees throughout the grove over multiple years can provide effective coverage and spread out the treatment cost. We have the arboricultural background to read those nuances and help you find the path forward that makes the most sense for your property.
Treatment Options
Trunk injection is the industry standard for EAB treatment and the method we use in most cases. Injections can be performed throughout the tree's growing season once leaves are fully expanded until they show fall color. For trees or sites where trunk injection isn't appropriate, alternative treatment methods are available and we can discuss the options during a site visit.
Treatment vs. Removal
Healthy ash trees with good structure and long-term value to the property are strong candidates for preventive treatment. Trees already in significant decline, with pre-existing structural problems, or in locations where a replacement would serve the property better are worth evaluating differently. For low-value trees or those in challenging locations, proactive removal and replacement before EAB arrives may be the most practical path forward.
Treatment and removal aren't the only options. Doing nothing while monitoring, committing to a single treatment cycle before reassessing, or retaining a declining tree as a habitat snag are all reasonable solutions depending on the tree and the site. We assess each ash tree individually and give you an honest recommendation based on your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about emerald ash borer treatment.
Related Services
Pest & Disease Management
We specialize in targeted treatment methods like trunk injections and biorational products, so we can tackle destructive pests like emerald ash borer while minimizing impact on the surrounding ecosystem.
Learn moreArborist Reports & Risk Assessments
We provide arborist reports for permit applications, tree risk assessments, and tree preservation plans. We have arborists who are ISA Certified and Tree Risk Assessment qualified, with access to advanced diagnostic tools when a thorough assessment requires them.
Learn moreConcerned about emerald ash borer?
Schedule an EAB assessment and find out if your ash trees are candidates for preventive treatment.