Why should I care about EAB?

This invasive insect has cost municipalities, property owners, nursery operators and forest products industries billions of dollars, and it is responsible for the death of millions of ash trees in at least 25 states and Canada. 

An estimated 15% or more of Colorado’s urban and community trees are ash, and many of these trees are located on private property. Ash trees comprise an estimated 15% of the Town of Erie's urban forest, or 11,000 ash trees. Many of these ash trees are quite large and provide significant eco-benefits to the community. EAB infestation is almost always fatal to infested ash trees, unless chemically treated, and infested trees will be dead within approximately four years. EAB is the most destructive forest pest in recorded history.

Once an ash tree is infected, it can become extremely fragile and the likelihood of large branches, or the whole tree, falling onto people or property rises exponentially. Treatment of ash trees or removal of trees is recommended.

Show All Answers

1. What is EAB and what does it do?
2. Why should I care about EAB?
3. What does EAB look like?
4. How does EAB spread?
5. What is being done in Colorado to mitigate the effects of EAB?
6. What is being done in the Town of Erie to manage EAB?
7. What does pesticide treatment for EAB entail?
8. How do I know if my ash tree is a candidate for treatment?
9. How do I know if my ash tree should be removed?
10. How do I know if I have an ash tree on my property?