Emerald Ash Borer Attack: What to Do

Forests Ontario's experts, known collectively as "Silvie" (short for silviculture) answer your forestry questions.

Dear Silvie,

I am worried about the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). How can I tell if EAB has infected my ash tree? What is the process for removing a dead ash tree on my property? And can I move firewood made from an ash that EAB had infected?
Worried in Woodstock

DEAR WORRIED IN WOODSTOCK,

Symptoms of an infestation by the EAB, an invasive beetle from China, in your ash may include tree top dieback, peeling bark, woodpecker feeding holes (they feed on the larva under the bark) and small D-shaped holes on the tree trunk. You may also see new branches growing out from the trunk, roots, and branches of the trees - signs that the tree is stressed. Once these signs become clear, EAB has been there for some time and tree death is imminent. The beetle can kill a perfectly healthy tree within three years.

Municipalities are responsible for managing trees on public land, which includes parks, woodlots and street boulevards. If an ash tree on municipal property is deemed a risk through an assessment, they will remove the tree. It’s your responsibility as a private landowner to remove dead or declining hazardous trees on your property. If you are unclear of your property boundary or the ownership of the tree, reach out to your local municipality, region, or county. A permit may be required for tree removal in both urban and rural environments.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulates invasive species (such as EAB) and movement of potentially infested material in Canada. The CFIA has delineated a ‘Regulated Area’ from which all species of firewood (not just ash), cannot be transported. These regulated areas slow the spread of the EAB, and other invasives, to new areas. People who move regulated materials outside of the regulated area without permission can face fines and/or prosecution. You can technically move firewood within the regulated area without permits. However, to stop the spread of EAB, the best practice is to not move firewood to a new location. A map of the “Emerald Ash Borer Regulated Areas of Canada,” can be found on the CFIA website at inspection.gc.ca. The CFIA asks that you report to a CFIA office if any detections of EAB are located outside the regulated area.

Yours, Silvie

Send your forestry questions to Silvie at info@forestsontario.ca