Emerald Ash Borer in Central Texas: What You Need to Know

The spread of the emerald ash borer (EAB) continues to pose a significant threat to ash trees across Texas, including areas close to Austin. First discovered in Harrison County in 2016, this invasive beetle species from Asia has now been confirmed in 24 Texas counties as of June 1, 2024. Recently, EAB has been found in Waco (McLennan County), which is a short distance from Austin and Central Texas, raising concerns for our local ash tree population.

The Emerald Ash Borer Threat

EAB is a small, green-metallic beetle that lays its eggs in the bark of ash trees. The larvae burrow into the tree, creating galleries that disrupt the flow of water and nutrients, ultimately killing the tree. Without intervention, ash trees typically die within two to five years of infestation.

Texas Counties Under Ash Borer Quarantine

The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has established quarantines in the 24 affected counties to slow the spread of EAB. These quarantines restrict the movement of ash wood and firewood out of these counties. Central Texas counties with quarantines include McLennan (Waco), Hill, Hood, and Palo Pinto.

Protecting your Ash Trees from the EAB

The arborists at A Good Morning Tree Service can help you protect your healthy ash trees from emerald ash borers. We are trained to identify emerald ash borer infestations, and apply insecticidal treatments, if necessary.

1) Monitor Your Ash Trees

Residents in Austin and surrounding areas should regularly inspect their ash trees for signs of EAB infestation. Look for thinning leaves in the upper canopy, the presence of epicormic shoots on the lower trunk, and characteristic D-shaped exit holes on the bark.

2) Apply Insecticidal Treatments

If you are within 15 miles of a confirmed EAB infestation, such as those recently found in Waco, consider treating high-value ash trees with insecticides. These treatments can help protect healthy trees from becoming infested.

3) Promptly Remove and Destroy Infested Trees

Trees with more than 20-30% canopy decline are likely beyond saving and should be removed and destroyed by burning to prevent further spread of the beetle.

4) Avoid Transporting Firewood

Do not move ash firewood out of quarantined areas to avoid unintentionally spreading EAB to new locations.

Emerald Ash Borer Resources

The Texas A&M Forest Service and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service offer resources to help identify EAB infestations and provide guidance on tree management and removal. They also operate EAB traps in known and potentially infested areas for early detection. If you suspect EAB in your area, contact the Texas A&M Forest Service hotline at 866-322-4512.

By staying informed and taking proactive measures, we can help protect Central Texas’ ash trees from the devastating impact of the emerald ash borer.

Additional Ash Borer Information

Texas A&M AgriLife: Spread of emerald ash borer continues in Texas