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Emerald Ash Borer Infestation: A Guide for Montclair Homeowners
If you’re a Montclair homeowner with ash trees on your property, especially older, established trees that shade your yard or line your street, then this informative article is for you. Too many residents don’t realize their ash tree is in trouble until branches start dying at the top, woodpeckers show up out of nowhere, or a once-healthy tree suddenly becomes a safety risk. By the time the damage is obvious, options can be limited and costly.
American Tree Experts has been protecting Montclair trees for generations. With an ISA Certified Arborist and a New Jersey Licensed Tree Expert on staff, our team knows how to spot emerald ash borer early, explain your real options clearly, and take action before a manageable problem turns into a dangerous one.
Why Emerald Ash Borer Is a Serious Problem in Montclair
Emerald ash borer (EAB) doesn’t weaken trees slowly over decades. Once an ash tree is infested, it often declines rapidly and can die within just a few years. Montclair’s mature neighborhoods are especially vulnerable. Ash trees were widely planted decades ago, and many are now large, prominent trees near homes, sidewalks, and streets. When EAB kills an ash, the wood becomes extremely brittle, increasing the risk of falling limbs or complete failure.
This isn’t just a tree health issue. It’s a property safety issue.
What Is Emerald Ash Borer, and Why Is It So Destructive?
Emerald ash borer is an invasive beetle that attacks all ash species. The real damage happens beneath the bark, where the larvae feed on the tissue that moves water and nutrients through the tree. Because the infestation starts internally and often high in the canopy, many homeowners don’t notice anything wrong until the tree is already under serious stress.
How to Tell If Your Ash Tree Is Infested
Early detection can make the difference between treatment and removal. Some of the most common signs Montclair homeowners should watch for include:
Canopy Dieback
The top of the tree thins first. Leaves may be sparse, smaller than usual, or missing entirely on upper branches.
D-Shaped Exit Holes
Adult beetles leave small, D-shaped holes, about 1/8 inch wide, when they emerge from the bark.
S-Shaped Galleries Under the Bark
If bark is peeled back, you may see winding tunnels packed with sawdust-like material (called frass).
Increased Woodpecker Activity
Woodpeckers feed on EAB larvae. Heavy pecking or “flecking” can make the bark look lighter or scaly.
Epicormic Sprouting
Stressed ash trees often send out leafy shoots from the trunk or base. This is called epicormic sprouting. Healthy trees don’t normally display epicormic sprouting.
Vertical Bark Splits
As larvae tunnel beneath the bark, long vertical cracks can form on the trunk.
Many of these signs aren’t easy to see from the ground. That’s why professional inspection matters.
What Montclair Homeowners Should Do If They Suspect EAB
The Township of Montclair and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture both recommend early professional evaluation.
Consult a Certified Arborist
- A New Jersey Licensed Tree Expert or ISA Certified Arborist can assess the extent of infestation and help you understand whether treatment is realistic. American Tree Experts performs detailed evaluations as part of our pest management services, focusing on safety, tree health, and long-term outcomes.
Understand Treatment Options
If the tree is healthy or only lightly infested, preventative insecticide treatments may slow or stop the infestation. These treatments typically need to be reapplied every 1 to 2 years for the life of the tree and must be applied by professionals using proven materials.
Know When Removal Is the Safer Choice
- If more than 50% of the canopy is dead, or if the tree is already declining rapidly, removal is often the only responsible option. Dead ash trees become brittle quickly and can fail without warning, especially during storms.
Large removals often require specialized equipment, such as cranes, to safely protect nearby homes and property.
Report Suspected Infestations
Residents can report emerald ash borer sightings to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture at 609-406-6939 or through the USDA’s EAB reporting system.
Plan for Replanting
After removal, diversifying your landscape helps prevent future losses. Popular replacement trees in Montclair include eastern redbud, sugar maple, and river birch.
Can You Prevent Emerald Ash Borer Infestation?
Prevention is possible, but timing matters.
- Treatments are most effective before heavy infestation.
- Healthy, valuable ash trees are the best candidates.
- Waiting until symptoms are severe often removes treatment as an option.
This is where experience counts. American Tree Experts doesn’t push treatments that won’t work. We’ll tell you honestly whether prevention makes sense for your specific tree.
Commonly Asked Questions
How do you treat an emerald ash borer at home?
DIY treatments are not effective. Professional-grade insecticides and proper application timing are essential for success.
How do you prevent emerald ash borer infestation?
Preventative trunk injections or soil treatments applied by certified professionals can protect healthy ash trees.
How do you know if you have an emerald ash borer infestation?
Signs include canopy dieback, D-shaped exit holes, bark splitting, woodpecker activity, and epicormic sprouting.
Do you have to cut down a tree with ash dieback?
Not always, but if more than half the canopy is dead or the tree poses a safety risk, removal is usually necessary.
Why Montclair Homeowners Trust American Tree Experts
American Tree Experts has been caring for trees in Montclair since 1934. We’re a third-generation, family-run company with deep local knowledge and a reputation built on honest advice, not fear tactics.
We look for problems homeowners can’t see from the ground, explain options clearly, and prioritize your property’s and your family’s safety.
If you’re concerned about emerald ash borer, or just want peace of mind, American Tree Experts is here to help. For more information, call: (973) 744-6091 or email at am*******************@***il.com. A professional evaluation today can save you thousands, and protect the trees that make your Montclair property feel like home.