Nearly 1.5 million ash trees dot the Mile High City landscape. However, tree services in Denver, CO, say these trees are under extreme threat from emerald ash borers. Also known as EAB, these invasive beetles are almost certainly a death sentence for any ash tree they infest.
Knowing the emerald ash borer signs and catching these destructive pests early makes all the difference to the survival of your trees.
The Most Likely Indicators of an Emerald Ash Borer Infestation
Many homeowners only suspect an EAB infestation when their trees start looking less healthy than usual. While any number of issues can affect tree health, these are the most likely signs of an insect problem.
Canopy Dieback
A thinning canopy is one of the earliest emerald ash borer signs. Insect larvae tunnel under the bark and feed on the tree’s cambium layer, the tissue that moves water and nutrients through the trunk. Damage to this layer causes the tree to starve slowly, which often appears as dying branches or areas where leaves don’t return in spring.
Tunnels, Holes, and Flaking Bark
When bark flakes off easily, revealing winding, S-shaped patterns (called serpentine galleries) underneath, you probably have an EAB problem. Larvae feeding on the cambium create tunnels that destroy the pathways your tree needs to survive. In some cases, protective tree wrap and cambium layer protection treatments can help slow the damage, but timing is critical.
Other classic emerald ash borer signs include bark splitting that exposes light-colored wood underneath, especially when accompanied by D-shaped exit holes about the size of a grain of rice. This damage happens when adult beetles emerge from the tree.
Woodpecker Activity
If you notice more woodpeckers than usual, it might not be a coincidence. These birds feast on emerald ash borer larvae. Woodpecker damage can cause further bark damage and make tree wound care even more critical.
Epicormic Shoots
Sick trees may produce new shoots near the base of the trunk. These epicormic shoots are the tree’s response to stress. They create new wood or foliage to help protect a weak area.
Pruning and bark damage repair can keep the shoots under control, but they also mean that you need to determine what’s stressing the tree.
What To Do if You See Signs of a Pest Infestation
If you see emerald ash borer signs, don’t wait to get help and start the tree healing process. The sooner you act, the better your chances of saving the tree. A professional arborist can evaluate the infestation, apply treatments to protect nearby trees, and safely handle pruning damaged areas or tree removal.
Let Arbortec Tree Service Protect Your Denver Trees
Arbortec Tree Service specializes in diagnosing and treating pest-related tree damage, helping your landscape recover and thrive again.
Don’t let emerald ash borers take over your yard. Call Arbortec Tree Service at 303-466-3175 for an inspection and personalized tree care plan, whether you have a big problem like emerald ash borer signs or something more easily manageable, such as aphids on trees. We’ll keep all your trees strong, healthy, and beautiful for years to come.