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Emerald Ash Borer

What to Know and Resources to Guide Your Decisions

What Woodland Owners Should Know

Emerald ash borer, or EAB, is an invasive insect that attacks and kills all species of ash trees. It was first detected in Vermont in 2018, and it is now established in all but one county in Vermont. EAB is expected to kill most ash trees it infests. Vermont continues to encourage landowners to act early, make a plan, and follow practices that help slow the spread.

If you own woods with ash, now is the time to start paying attention. The earlier you assess your ash resource and think through your options, the more choices you will have. For some landowners, that may mean working with a forester to plan a harvest. For others, it may mean identifying ash to retain, protecting a high-value tree, or preparing for change over time.

Ash is an important part of Vermont’s forests and working landscape. Ash species make up about 5% of Vermont’s forests, though that varies by region and site. EAB affects forests, wetlands, roadsides, sugarbush edges, wildlife habitat, and wood products. As trees decline, they also become brittle and hazardous, which can create safety issues around homes, roads, trails, and other places people spend time.

Gallery of Resources

EAB Updates on VT Invasives
Stay up to date on the spread of emerald ash borer in Vermont, current management recommendations, quarantines, and guidance for landowners through the Vermont Invasives website.
Understanding and Identifying EAB
A video that covers the basics of Emerald Ash Borer and tips for identifying it from the Vermont Urban and Community Forestry Program
Management Resources
Guidance from Vermont Forests, Parks and Recreation on managing ash trees and responding to emerald ash borer.
Managing Northeastern Forests Threatened by Emerald Ash Borer
A practical guide to managing forests in the face of emerald ash borer, with strategies to respond to ash loss while supporting long-term forest health and resilience.
Options for Protecting Ash Trees from Emerald Ash Borer
This guide provides an overview of insecticide treatment options available to protect ash trees from emerald ash borer. It explains which treatments are most effective, which trees are good candidates for treatment, expected costs, and important considerations for homeowners deciding whether to protect high-value ash trees

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