The primary symptoms of EAB are woodpecker activity, bark splits, crown dieback and suckering shoots. If a tree is in early infestation, binoculars can help find galleries and bark splits higher up in a tree. When the infestation reaches a higher level, woodpecker activity and bark splits create a “blonding” effect on larger branches and down the trunk. Winter is often considered the best time to determine the presence of EAB because woodpecker activity is easiest to see with leaves off the tree.
If you would like additional information and pictures to help you identify EAB symptoms, visit our EAB Signs and Symptoms webpage. If you see any of these symptoms on your ash trees and would like an inspection, contact Forestry staff by email at LAShadeTreePest@lakevillemn.gov.