Frequently asked questions
Cities and towns
Firewood and pests
General information
Homeowners
Industries
Cities and towns
The known Missouri infestation is nowhere close to my community. Do I really need to be concerned?
Because Missouri borders other states with known EAB infestations, and due to the way it easily spreads, EAB is expected to eventually appear in municipalities throughout the state. Ignoring EAB will not make it go away. The longer a community waits to prepare, the greater the burden on local budgets and staff.
Will state or federal agencies help take care of EAB if it is found in my community?
No, state and federal agencies cannot help you address an EAB infestation. There is no government funding source to pay local costs for EAB, though limited funds may be available for specific uses. For these reasons, communities are strongly advised to actively prepare for the insect's arrival, including development of a response plan and funding strategy. A well-planned response can minimize the impact, reduce liability, spread out and lessen the overall costs of EAB.
What should my community do about its ash trees before EAB arrives?
Become familiar with state quarantine procedures, compliance agreements and who to contact for questions. For more information regarding preparing a plan, see for communities. Communities should also inventory their publicly owned trees so they know how many ash trees they have, their location and their present condition. Any trees already found to be declining or are dead should be removed now.
I don’t know where ash trees are located in my community, what should I do?
Trees cannot be effectively managed until their location and general condition are known. The period before EAB arrives is an excellent time for your community to conduct a thorough inventory of all of its trees. Communities interested in performing complete inventories may be eligible for grant funds from the Missouri Department of Conservation community forestry program. If you do not have the time or finances to do a complete inventory, at least document where your ash trees are and record their general condition.
I know the location and condition of ash trees in my community. Now what?
Because the financial, environmental and social impacts of EAB can be acutely high, many communities in EAB's path have chosen to soften the blow through gradual, prioritized, preemptive removal of some of their public ash trees. Preemptively remove any ash trees that are in severe decline from any cause, have excessive maintenance needs, in conflict with utility lines or other problems are wise management choices. Under the circumstances, removal of such trees is not difficult to justify.
My community’s budget continues to be cut and the possibility of an infestation is not enough of a reason for my town to take action. Any suggestions?
EAB is not going to go away. Communities that wait until the pest is entrenched will face budget-busting emergency forestry efforts to protect the public from standing dead trees that could fall at any time. Beyond tree removal costs, the loss of mature ash trees presents other consequences as well. With fewer large trees to provide shade, homeowners in affected areas have seen water use and energy consumption rise, while property values declined. Without the trees, stormwater into management systems increases and communities loose an important tool to mitigate air pollution.
City officials, as well as citizens, are upset at the removal of what looks like “good” ash trees. What should I tell them?
Inform elected officials of the potential effects the loss of the community’s ash trees will have on the area and how the loss might affect the environmental health and public safety of the community. By proactively removing declining ash trees and replacing with other species, you are also preserving the beautiful landscape of your community. The community is allowing time for the trees to grow and fill in instead of being faced with a town full of declining and/or dead trees at once.
What should my community do with the ash trees we remove?
Designate a disposal site or sites within the community or county for ash wood debris. This could be a landfill, solid waste area, or industrial site where the debris can be buried or chipped. If burning is an option in your area, a burn permit must be obtained in advance. Determine a mulch/compost site for the ash wood chips that will be processed to smaller than 1-by-1 inch in two dimensions. Offer the mulch to residents and parks in the area. Do not offer the wood to residents as firewood.
Firewood and pests
What is the emerald ash borer and what does firewood have to do with it?
EAB is an exotic, invasive, wood-boring insect that infests and kills native North American ash trees, both in forests and landscape plantings. The most common way EAB is spread is by hitching a ride on firewood.
How did EAB arrive in Missouri?
Because the discovery of this highly destructive pest was at a campground, there is a strong indication it probably arrived in firewood.
Why is moving firewood an issue?
EAB larvae can survive and emerge from untreated firewood for up to two years. Campers who bring untreated firewood risk spreading the emerald ash borer and other forest pests and diseases. Even moving firewood from one campground to another in the same neighborhood can spread destructive tree parasites and diseases.
My firewood looks fine. There are no holes, bugs or any other weird looking stuff on it. Is it okay to transport?
Just because it looks okay, doesn’t mean it is. Even experts can’t always see the tiny D-shaped exit holes of an adult EAB. Never assume wood that “looks safe” is okay to move. Instead, just leave it alone and burn firewood where you get it.
I have firewood that has been sitting for at least two years in my backyard. Isn’t it safe to take with me?
It’s still not a good idea. There’s no guarantee ageed or seasoned wood is free of pests or other pathogens. Just because it is dry doesn't mean that bugs can't crawl, or fungus grow, on it!
I accidentally moved firewood, what should I do with it?
If you moved untreated firewood, burn it immediately. This will kill forest pests or diseases and help prevent the spread to healthy trees.
I have left over wood from camping, what should I do with it now?
Leave it for the next camper to use.
If I burn all of my wood completely, is it okay to bring it from far away?
Even though this sounds like a good idea, you still should never move untreated firewood. Remember, bugs hitchhike on logs. If a little chip of bark falls unnoticed onto the forest floor, that chip could be the vehicle transporting EAB. It’s best just to leave firewood at home and enjoy there.
Are there any firewood regulations in the state of Missouri?
No. At this time there are no regulations in place restricting the movement of firewood within Missouri. However, there are restrictions on movement of firewood into Missouri from Illinois. A federal quarantine prohibits moving hardwood firewood out of Illinois. It is best just to get your firewood at your destination.
Can I purchase firewood in Missouri that is certified as insect free?
No. Missouri does not have any type of certification when it comes to treated firewood. It is best to speak with the person selling the wood. Ask them where they got the wood. If it isn’t nearby, or if they don’t know where the wood is from, you should consider another firewood dealer.
Can I cut wood from my backyard if there are no quarantines or pest alerts in my area?
That’s okay as long as you plan to burn the wood at home. However, it’s not a good idea if you plan on taking the wood with you when you camp. Pest infestations can take years to be recognized. By the time the tree looks sick, or the quarantine is announced, you could have spread the infestation to all your favorite campsites! Don’t take a chance. Get your firewood at your destination.
I don’t want to have to pay someone else for my firewood. Why can’t I just get it myself?
You can. Ideally, your firewood should be from only a few miles away or at least in the same county. More broadly, if you’re able to get wood from up to 50 miles away, that is still considered low risk.
General information
What is the emerald ash borer?
EAB is an exotic, invasive, wood-boring insect that infests and kills ash trees, both in forests and landscape plantings.
Where did the EAB come from?
The native range of EAB is eastern Russia, northern China, Japan and Korea.
What does the emerald ash borer look like?
The adult beetle is dark metallic green, bullet-shaped and about 1/2 inch long and 1/8 inch wide. The body is narrow and elongated, and the head is flat with black eyes. The EAB larva is white and flat, has distinctive bell shaped segments and can grow up to 1.2 inches long. There are many other green insects that look similar to the adult EAB. For examples, please refer to photos at eab.missouri.edu.
When was EAB first discovered in North America?
EAB was first identified in southeast Michigan in 2002. It likely arrived several years earlier.
How did it get to North America?
It most likely traveled in ash wood used for stabilizing cargo in ships or for packing consumer products.
Where is EAB now?
As of July 2010, EAB had been found in 15 states, including Missouri, and in two Canadian Provinces.
Where and when was EAB found in Missouri?
The only known EAB infestation was discovered July 2008 in the campground at the Wappapello Lake U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Greenville Recreational Area in Wayne County, Mo.
What is being done about EAB at the Greenville Recreational Area?
The USACE has begun removing ash trees from a 1,400-acre area surrounding the campground. Contract loggers cut down ash trees in the area, gather logs into piles and burn them on the spot to kill any insect in the wood. To date, more than 1,000 ash trees have been burned. Also, purple triangular traps have been placed in and around the campground in a “detection and delimit” campaign.
Has EAB been found anywhere else in Missouri?
No, as of April 2010 EAB has not been found anywhere else in Missouri.
What is Missouri doing to monitor the EAB situation in the state?
Annual surveys to detect the arrival of EAB are conducted by the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) at selected state parks, public and commercial campgrounds, nurseries and high-risk urban sites. These efforts include visual surveys as well as the use of purple prism shaped traps and detection trees.
How does EAB harm ash trees?
Adult females lay their eggs on the bark of ash trees. When the eggs hatch, the larvae burrow under the bark and eat the living tissue they find there. As they do, they cut off the life-giving channels that carry nutrients—water and sugars—to the tree. After 2-4 years, enough of the channels are cut off so the tree starves to death.
Which trees are susceptible?
All ash species found naturally in Missouri—green, white, pumpkin and blue ash—as well as horticultural cultivars (e.g. Autumn Purple white ash or Marshall Seedless green ash) have been killed by EAB, which infests trees ranging in size from saplings to fully mature trees. While most native borers kill only severely weakened trees, the emerald ash borer also kills healthy trees making it especially devastating.
How important are ash trees to Missouri?
Ash trees account for 3 percent of the native forest. The fast-growing shade trees are popular for landscaping, though, and about 14 percent of trees lining streets in urban settings are ash. In some neighborhoods and parks the figure reaches as high as 30 or 40 percent.
How does EAB spread?
Although the EAB can fly short distances on its own, much of its spread is due to humans transporting it as larvae burrowed under the bark of firewood or landscape trees.
What is being done to stop EAB from spreading?
There is a national effort to limit the spread and impact of EAB. Infested areas are quarantined to prevent movement of EAB in firewood and other ash products that can carry it. Many states are educating the public on the dangers of moving firewood; the primary way EAB and many other invasive pests and diseases of trees are spreading. Ongoing research and development of safe and effective pesticides, traps and other management strategies is taking place at state and national levels.
What is being done in Missouri?
State, federal, local agencies and groups are working together to educate the public and slow the spread of infestations. Alerting the public to the risk of moving firewood and spreading EAB is key to prevention. This is a slow moving insect, except when people allow it to hitchhike on firewood.
Are there any areas in Missouri under quarantine?
Yes. Wayne County is under a federal quarantine to prevent the accidental spread of the beetle. This means the interstate (between states) movement of EAB host wood and wood products – nursery stock, green lumber, waste, compost, chips of ash species and firewood of all hardwood species – from Wayne County is regulated. Likewise, MDA has enacted a state interior quarantine, which prohibits the intrastate (within state) movement of EAB regulated articles from Wayne County.
What is prohibited from moving out of Wayne County, Mo.?
Regulated articles for both the federal and state quarantines are: the emerald ash borer in any living state, nursery stock, green lumber, firewood of any non-coniferous (hardwood) species and other material living, dead, cut or fallen – including logs, stump roots, branches and composted and uncomposted chips – of the genus Fraxinus.
Are there any natural enemies of the emerald ash borer?
Yes, scientists have observed parasitic wasps attacking egg or larval stages of the emerald ash borer. These wasps have been released at EAB-infested sites in multiple states for 2-3 years. Unfortunately, this process is time-consuming and it will be several years before these beneficial wasps will have a significant impact on EAB containment efforts. Other studies are testing various fungi and bacteria that infect beetles for possible use as “natural insecticides.”
Are dying ash trees always an indication of an EAB infestation?
No,ash trees are affected by several diseases and insects. Ash trees throughout the state exhibit dying branches and/or decline and some may show signs of heavy woodpecker damage. This may or may not be due to the emerald ash borer.
What signs are the best evidence that EAB may be attacking my tree?
Look for 1/8 inch diameter D-shaped holes in the bark where the beetles have exited and short (3-5 inches) vertical splits in the bark that reveal S-shaped “trails” (tunnels) under the bark.
What if I discover EAB in my trees, what should I do?
If you suspect your ash is infested, please contact the Missouri Department of Conservation at 1.866.716.9974.
How can I help stop the spread of EAB?
Don’t spread pests. Burn firewood where you get it. Second, don’t plant ash trees. Instead, choose other large shade trees for landscaping. Lastly, be on the lookout for potential EAB infestations.
Homeowners
How do I know if I have an ash tree?
An ash tree has an opposite branching pattern (two branches come off the main stem, one on each side and directly opposite each other). Plus, ash trees have compound leaves with 5-11 leaflets (depending on the species of ash). Leaflets are moderately toothed and may be stalked or sessile.
Are there symptoms I should look for that indicates my tree may have been attacked?
Yes. If your ash tree has sparse foliage and/or dying branches in the upper part of the tree; new sprouts on the roots, lower trunk or lower branches; or increased activity of woodpeckers on the tree, these are all symptoms the tree is stressed by something such as insects, diseases, weather or other factors. But those symptoms by themselves don’t mean the problem is EAB.
Are dying ash trees always an indication of an EAB infestation?
No. Ash trees are affected by several diseases and insects. Ash trees throughout the state exhibit dying branches and/or decline and some may show signs of heavy woodpecker damage. This may or may not be due to the emerald ash borer.
What signs are the best evidence that EAB may be attacking my tree?
Look for 1/8 inch diameter D-shaped holes in the bark where the beetles have exited and short (3-5 inches) vertical splits in the bark that reveal S-shaped “trails” (tunnels) under the bark.
Is there anything I can do now to protect the ash trees in my yard from EAB?
Keeping trees vigorous and healthy by proper pruning, mulching, watering and avoiding wounding helps them resist insect attacks. Not bringing firewood from other areas is one of the best ways to avoid bringing home unwanted tree pests. Watch trees closely for signs of EAB infestations.
What about insecticides? Should I begin to use them to protect my ash trees from EAB?
Preventative insecticide applications are generally not recommended if known infestations are not within 15 miles of your location and/or found within your county. Premature use of insecticides is ineffective, wastes money and needlessly adds chemicals to the environment.
Are insecticide applications worthwhile if nearby infestations are discovered?
That is an individual decision. If your ash tree is already infested and has lost more than 50 percent of its canopy it is probably too late to try to save it. Additionally, even when treatment is started early in the infestation, signs of improvement may not show until the second year of treatment as the tree needs time to repair its vascular system. Budget, of course, is another important consideration. Most available insecticides need to be applied every year to be effective, which can be expensive.
If I have ash in my woods, should I be doing anything?
At this time, you need not change your scheduled timber management activities.
Is ash still a viable choice when considering what to plant in my yard?
Because of the severe nature of the EAB threat, the wisest choice at this time is not to plant any ash trees. In general, having a diversity of species in your yard, on your street or in your community is your best defense against all tree health problems.
What if I discover EAB on my trees, what should I do?
If you suspect your ash is infested, please contact the Missouri Department of Conservation at 866-716-9974.
If my ash tree is infested, who is responsible for taking care of the tree?
The homeowner is responsible for any necessary action in regards to trees on their property.
What am I supposed to do with my ash tree if I remove it?
How you dispose of your ash tree depends on whether or not the tree is in an EAB quarantine area.
If EAB has not been found in your county and you do not see evidence of EAB, then you can use it at home for firewood; chipping is not necessary.
If EAB has not been found in your county (i.e. no quarantine) but you DO see evidence of EAB, then report it immediately to the Missouri Department of Conservation and do not destroy the tree until it has been examined by experts.
If EAB has been found in your county (quarantine in place) then check with your community to see if there is a mulch/compost site for the ash wood chips that will be processed to smaller than 1-by-1 inch in two dimensions. You can use the tree for firewood. Wait until late autumn to take down an infested tree. Be sure you use up all of the wood from that tree by spring. EAB larvae can survive and emerge from a firewood pile for up to two years. And DON’T transport the firewood anywhere. Use it at home.
How can I help stop the spread of EAB?
Don’t spread pests. Burn firewood where you get it. Second, don’t plant ash trees. Instead, choose other large shade trees for landscaping. Lastly, be on the lookout for potential EAB infestations. Educate yourself on how to recognize signs and symptoms of EAB.
Industries
What regulations are in place for industries concerning ash trees in Wayne County?
Nurseries: ash nursery stock is prohibited from being distributed outside of the EAB quarantine area.
Mills and loggers: ash logs cannot be moved out of the quarantine area during the adult flight period (roughly April 1 through September 30) unless fumigated or debarked. From Oct. 1 through March 31, ash logs may be allowed to be moved to an approved mill outside of the quarantine area for processing by March 31. Bark and wood waste must be processed by March 31. These processes must be approved by state or federal agriculture agencies.
Green lumber manufacturers: ash lumber will need to be processed in an approved manner, such as complete removal of bark (plus 1/2 inch of wood), kiln drying by approved standards, or fumigation prior to distribution out of the quarantine area. All processes will need approval by state or federal agencies.
Pallet producers: ash lumber (generated from ash from the quarantine area) used to make pallets will need to be processed in a manner approved by state or federal agencies.