Emerald Ash Borer in CT: How to Protect Your Ash Trees

If you have an ash tree on your property, now is the time to pay attention. These pests aren’t just annoying. They’re devastating. In fact, EAB has already decimated millions upon millions of ash trees in North America, and Connecticut is right in the danger zone.

Emerald Ash Borer in CT: How to Protect Your Ash Trees

“By the time you see the damage, it’s often too late.” That’s what many arborists say about the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). And they’re not wrong. These tiny, metallic-green beetles are wiping out ash trees across Connecticut—and fast.

If you have an ash tree on your property, now is the time to pay attention. These pests aren’t just annoying. They’re devastating. In fact, EAB has already decimated millions upon millions of ash trees in North America, and Connecticut is right in the danger zone.

So, how do you know if your tree is at risk? And more importantly—what can you do about it?

What Is the Emerald Ash Borer?

The Emerald Ash Borer is an intrusive beetle from Asia that targets only ash trees. It lays eggs on the bark. The larvae then burrow into the tree, feeding on the inner layers and cutting off its ability to move water and nutrients. Over time, the tree dies—usually within 2–4 years of infestation.

In Connecticut, EAB has spread through nearly every county. If you have ash trees in your yard, you’re likely within reach of an infestation.

Signs Your Ash Tree Might Be Infested

Spotting the signs early gives you the best chance of saving your tree. Keep an eye out for:

• Thinning leaves or dead branches in the canopy

• S-shaped larval tunnels under the bark

• D-shaped exit holes

  on the trunk (from adult beetles)

• Increased woodpecker activity

  (they love the larvae)

These aren’t just cosmetic issues. Once the internal damage starts, the clock is ticking.

What You Can Do Right Now

Let’s break it down into practical steps:

✅ Identify Your Trees

Not sure if it’s an ash tree? Look for compound leaves with 5–11 leaflets, a diamond-patterned bark, and opposite branching. Still not sure? Call in a pro.

✅ Schedule a Tree Health Check

If you live in Newington, CT—or anywhere in central Connecticut—get your trees inspected. A certified arborist can tell if your tree is healthy, stressed, or already infested.

✅ Start Treatment Early

Insecticide treatments work best on ash trees that are still relatively healthy. Once more than half the canopy is gone, it’s usually too late. Timing is everything here—late spring and early summer are the best windows for treatment.

✅ Don’t Move Firewood

This is huge. EAB spreads quickly through transported firewood. If you're camping, burning, or stacking, keep it local.

✅ Consider Removal If Needed

If the tree is too far gone, removal may be the safest option. Dead ash trees are brittle and unpredictable. If you wait too long, removal becomes more dangerous and expensive.

How We Help in Newington, CT

At [Your Company Name], we’ve helped dozens of homeowners in Newington and surrounding towns protect their ash trees—or remove them safely. We can assess your tree, walk you through your options, and take care of any trimming, treatment, or removal needed.

We also offer proactive care plans to help extend the life of healthy ash trees—because once they’re gone, they’re gone for good.

Final Thoughts

If there’s one thing we want every homeowner to know, it’s this: don’t wait. The Emerald Ash Borer isn’t slowing down. If you’ve got ash trees on your property, this isn’t just a landscaping issue—it’s a time-sensitive problem.

Spot the signs. Get a plan. Save your tree (or safely remove it). And if you need help, we’re just a call away.