Emerald Ash Borer, Urban Forestry, City of Falls Church, VA
Emerald Ash Borer Quarantine In Effect
An infestation of this non-native beetle has been confirmed in neighboring Fairfax County. The emerald ash borer was first discovered killing ash trees in Michigan in the late 1990s. Accidentally introduced into North America from Asia, the emerald ash borer has killed tens of millions of ash trees and caused billions of dollars of damage to the forestry industry. This is only the second time that this pest has been found in the Northern Virginia area since a minor outbreak was contained in 2003.
There are many species of ash trees and the emerald ash borer will attack them all; the result is almost always fatal. Green and White ash trees are commonly found in this area. Please visit the Dendrology at Virginia Tech Web site for more information on how to identify ash trees.
Early detection is the best strategy for management of the pest. Signs of emerald ash borer activity include dieback in the top third of the tree canopy, sprouts growing from roots and trunk, bark splitting and D-shaped exit holes. To learn more about emerald ash borer please visit the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service Web site.
A healthy ash tree.
Sprouts growing from roots and trunk of an infested tree.
A dead tree after an infestation.
The emerald ash borer does not generally spread great distances on its own. It is mainly spread when various ash articles (firewood, wood chips, nursery stock, etc.) are transported from infested areas to uninfected areas.
Residents are asked to report any signs of declining or dying ash trees by contacting Ben Thompson, City Arborist, via e-mail or 703-248-5183 (TTY 711).
An infestation of this non-native beetle has been confirmed in neighboring Fairfax County. The emerald ash borer was first discovered killing ash trees in Michigan in the late 1990s. Accidentally introduced into North America from Asia, the emerald ash borer has killed tens of millions of ash trees and caused billions of dollars of damage to the forestry industry. This is only the second time that this pest has been found in the Northern Virginia area since a minor outbreak was contained in 2003. 
