Emerald Ash Borer Treatment in St. Louis County, MO

What Is Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)?

The emerald ash borer (EAB), an invasive beetle from Asia, has spread to at least 35 U.S. states, including Missouri, and continues to expand. First detected in Michigan in 2002, it has since devastated ash tree populations across the Midwest, Northeast, and parts of the South and West. Missouri confirmed its first EAB infestation in July 2008, and the beetle has now been found in multiple counties across the state, including St. Louis County.

The pest targets all native ash species, killing millions of trees and threatening urban tree canopy and rural woodlands. Authorities have implemented quarantines to slow its spread, and ISA-certified arborists in Missouri use targeted treatments like Arborjet TREE-age to protect valuable ash trees.

Ongoing efforts, including biological controls and proactive management, are critical to limiting further damage.

ISA-Certified Arborists Providing Emerald Ash Borer Treatment in St. Louis County

Our ISA-certified arborists offer expert emerald ash borer treatment to protect ash trees in St. Louis County, Ellisville, Chesterfield, and surrounding communities. Early detection and treatment are key to saving your trees.

Identifying Ash Trees

EAB only affects ash trees, so confirming you have one is the first step. To determine if your tree is an ash tree, check for all of the following:

• Oppositely branched — Branches of an ash tree form a Y shape rather than alternating
• Compound leaves — Leaflets join together on a woody stem by a stalk
• Numerous leaflets — Groups of 5 to 9 leaflets rather than 3 to 5

If you are unsure whether your trees are ash, our arborists in St. Louis County can help with identification and treatment recommendations.

Signs of EAB Damage

Check your ash trees for these signs of emerald ash borer damage:

• Sparse leaves and/or dying branches in the upper crown
• New sprouts on the lower trunk and branches or the roots
• Short, vertical splits in the bark of ash trees, typically 3 to 5 inches long
• Increased woodpecker activity
• Winding, S-shaped tunnels under the bark
• White or cream-colored larvae under the bark

D-Shaped Exit Holes

EAB creates distinctive D-shaped holes in the bark of ash trees, approximately 1/8 inch wide. Our tree service experts in St. Louis County can identify these signs during a professional inspection.

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Professional Emerald Ash Borer Treatment Options

Omni Tree Service recommends and applies Arborjet TREE-age for EAB treatment across St. Louis County. This targeted trunk-injected insecticide reaches the pest directly and treats both:

• EAB larvae living under the bark
• Adult beetles on trunks and branches

Treatment can be applied year-round when EAB is discovered, but spring applications are most effective for prevention. Our St. Louis County arborists apply this treatment once per year to protect your ash trees and limit spread to neighboring properties.

How to Prevent EAB Spread in St. Louis County

To prevent EAB spread on your property and in the surrounding area:

• Do not transport infested firewood
• Purchase firewood locally when camping
• Consider planting alternative shade tree species
• Schedule regular inspections with an ISA-certified arborist in St. Louis County

Serving Wildwood, Chesterfield, Ballwin, and surrounding St. Louis County communities. Contact our tree service experts for a free emerald ash borer inspection and treatment consultation.

If you suspect your ash trees have been infested, contact Omni Tree Service for a professional assessment.