Emerald Ash Borer in Nashville

It all started when…

...the Emerald Ash Borer migrated in packing materials from Asia.  First discovered in Detroit, Michigan, in 2002, the pest has already destroyed millions of trees in 30 states and has been spotted in Davidson County.

What does an ash tree look like?

What to do?

You have a few options - TREAT, REMOVE, or LEAVE IN PLACE.  Treating ash trees by trunk injection is the best method; you do not have to cover your yard or drill through the tree, which is damaging.  Removing ash trees is recommended for infested trees that could pose a public hazard or for treatments that could be cost-prohibitive.  Only leave an infected ash tree in place if it will not cause any damage to people or property when it falls.  Based on the characteristics of ash wood, the direction of the fall is unpredictable.  In any of the above cases, contact a certified arborist to develop the best plan to save your tree.

Resources

Will Nashville Electric Service remove my ash tree? NES Connect Newsletter

Emerald Ash Borer segment on the Volunteer Gardener

Emerald Ash Borer in Davidson County

Trees in Trouble documentary.  Contact trees@nashvilletreefoundation.org if your organization would like to borrow this 30-minute video from our library for your public meeting.

State on Tennessee, Division of Forestry, Emerald Ash Borer FAQ

Metro Tree Advisory Committee Spring 2020 EAB Advisory

Plant a tree

It is estimated that Davidson County could lose 10% of tree canopy from the Emerald Ash Borer.  Replacing dead or removed ash trees with new trees will help you and your neighbors provide shade and health benefits for the next generation.