The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), an invasive beetle from Asia, has become one of the most destructive forest pests in North America—and it’s no longer a future threat for North Texas. It’s here, and it’s spreading.

At Texas Tree Surgeons, our ISA Certified Arborists are already working with local cities, universities, corporate campuses, and healthcare institutions to assess and mitigate the risks posed by EAB. If your city, campus, or complex includes ash trees, this is your call to action.

What is EAB and Why Should You be Concerned?

EAB targets all native North American ash species. Once infested, an untreated ash tree has a 99% chance of dying—typically within 2 to 5 years. In heavily infested areas, canopy dieback and tree death can occur rapidly and simultaneously across entire landscapes.

In Texas, common ash species include:

• Green/Red Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica)
• Arizona Ash (Fraxinus velutina)
• Texas Ash (Fraxinus albicans)

EAB has been confirmed in several Texas counties including Collin, Dallas, Denton, and Tarrant.  Any city or large organization or complex that manages a high number of trees, must act proactively to protect public safety, budgets, and the integrity of the landscape.

How to Identify EAB Symptoms

How to Identify EAB Symptoms

ISA Certified Arborists diagnose EAB by first verifying tree species (only ash trees are at risk). Common signs include:

Misidentification is common, especially with freeze damage from recent winters showing similar symptoms. If you’re unsure, contact an arborist immediately.

Your Options: Preventive Treatment, Removal, or Mapping

Preventative Treatment

If EAB has been detected within 10–15 miles of your location, we recommend systemic insecticide treatment by licensed professionals. These treatments are most effective before visible damage occurs and can protect a tree for up to 2 years.

Selective Removal

Trees that are dead, dying, or already infested should be prioritized for removal. This not only prevents hazards but also slows beetle spread.

Tree Inventory and Mapping

Institutions should develop a tree inventory, of public-facing or high-value ash trees. Mapping their locations helps prioritize treatment and manage emergency response.

What Municipalities and Campuses Should Do Now

Based on guidance from the Texas A&M Forest Service and our on-the-ground experience, here’s a step-by-step plan:

Appoint a Tree Care Manager

Whether it’s an in-house arborist or a consulting firm like Texas Tree Surgeons, designate a qualified person to lead your EAB preparedness and response.

Conduct a Tree Inventory

Determine how many ash trees you have, where they are, and their condition. Prioritize large, high-value trees for protection.

Develop an Ash Management Strategy

Decide whether to:

• Use a hybrid approach to balance budget and risk
• Protect healthy trees with insecticides
• Remove and replace low-value or declining ash

Prepare for Tree Loss

Even with proactive measures, losses will occur. Have contracts ready for removal, identify debris staging areas, and develop a reforestation plan using a diverse palette of tree species.

Inform and Educate

Use your internal channels and public communications to explain what’s happening, what’s being done, and how people can help—especially by avoiding the movement of firewood.

What can Texas Tree Surgeons do for You?

At Texas Tree Surgeons we are offering a RAPID EAB ASSESSMENT for cities, ISD’s, HOA’s, corporate campuses, University and Health Care Campuses.

Developed by Texas Trees Surgeons, the purpose of the assessment is to quickly identify, evaluate, and respond to the threat of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in urban and institutional landscapes.

Goals of the RAPID Assessment

• Identify as trees across public and institutional properties.
• Evaluate the percentage of live crown for each tree.
• Classify ash trees for removal or treatment.
• Provide actionable recommendations based on community-specific goals.

Assessment Process

Select survey zones including, but not limited to:

• Median Trees
• Parks and Open Space
• Campus and Facility Landscapes
• High-Traffic pedestrian zones
• Parking lots and public gathering spaces

Depending on the location, a minimum of 5% of street miles or acres will be randomly selected for sample-based assessment if full inventory is not available.

Categorize Trees

Our Certified Arborists partner with public works departments, campus facility managers, and sustainability officers to craft EAB response plans tailored to each institution’s needs and budget.

Learn More About Emerald Ash Borer

• How to Identify and Manage EAB
• Do I Have an Ash Tree? What Should I do if There are Emerald Ash Borer Sightings Near Me?
• EAB Prevention Tips
• Highland Village EAB Sighting