Emerald Ash Borer in Essex County: Where It Started and What Is Left

The Emerald Ash Borer's Journey to Essex County

The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) first arrived in Canada in 2002, detected in southwestern Ontario near the Michigan border. Since then, this invasive beetle has devastated millions of ash trees across North America, and Essex County has not been spared from its destructive impact. The pest spreads rapidly through infested firewood, nursery stock and natural beetle flight, making it one of the most serious threats to ash tree populations in the region.

In Windsor and the surrounding area, ash trees have been dying at an alarming rate over the past two decades. The beetle targets all native ash species, including black ash, green ash and white ash, which were once common landscape and forest trees throughout Essex County. Understanding where the EAB came from and how it spread helps property owners recognize the urgency of protecting remaining ash trees and managing those that are already infected or dead.

Recognizing the Signs of an Infested Ash Tree

One of the most distinctive signs of Emerald Ash Borer damage is the presence of D-shaped holes in the bark of affected ash trees. These small exit holes, typically 3 to 4 millimetres in diameter, are left behind as adult beetles emerge from the tree in late spring and early summer. If you notice these characteristic D-shaped holes on your ash tree in Sandwich (Windsor) or elsewhere in the area, EAB infestation is likely present.

Beyond exit holes, other warning signs include crown dieback, where the upper branches of the tree begin to thin and lose foliage, bark splitting and peeling, and the presence of woodpecker damage as birds feed on beetle larvae beneath the bark. Ash trees may also develop epicormic shoots, which are sprouts growing directly from the trunk. A dying ash tree in Windsor may show several of these symptoms at once, indicating advanced infestation. Early detection is critical because once the beetle has colonized a tree extensively, treatment options become limited.

Treatment Options and When to Act

Property owners asking how to save an ash tree in Ontario should know that treatment is possible but works best on trees that are not yet heavily infested. Insecticide treatments, particularly those containing emamectin benzoate or dinotefuran, can protect ash trees from EAB if applied by a certified professional. These systemic insecticides are injected into the tree and circulate through the vascular system, poisoning beetles as they feed. Treatment typically requires annual or biennial applications and is most effective on trees with less than 50 per cent crown dieback.

However, treatment is not a permanent cure and requires an ongoing commitment. For trees that are already heavily infested, severely weakened or posing a safety risk, tree removal is often the most practical option. Rose City Tree Trimming can assess the health and structural integrity of your ash tree and recommend whether treatment or removal is the best course of action. Contact us at (855) 510-1827 for a free estimate and professional arborist evaluation. We serve Bridgeview (Windsor) and surrounding communities with certified expertise in EAB management.

Ash Tree Removal in Windsor and Essex County

When an ash tree is too far gone or poses a hazard to your property, prompt removal is essential. Dead or dying ash trees become brittle and unpredictable, with branches that can fall without warning. Ash tree removal in Windsor requires proper equipment, technique and safety protocols to prevent damage to nearby structures, utilities and landscaping. Our certified arborists at Rose City Tree Trimming are trained to fell ash trees safely and efficiently, regardless of size or location on your property.

The removal process typically includes felling the tree, cutting it into manageable sections, grinding the stump below ground level and removing all debris from the site. If the tree is near power lines or structures, the work demands extra precision and planning. We coordinate with your local utility if necessary and ensure that all work complies with municipal regulations. Many property owners in Ojibway (Windsor) and other neighbourhoods choose to replant with species that are resistant to EAB, such as native oaks, maples or birches, to restore their landscape.

Firewood Movement Rules and Preventing Further Spread

One of the most important steps in controlling the Emerald Ash Borer is restricting the movement of infested firewood. Ash firewood can harbour beetle larvae that remain viable for months, even in split and stacked wood. Transporting infested firewood across municipal or provincial boundaries can spread the pest to new areas, which is why strict ash firewood movement rules are in place throughout Ontario. Property owners must understand these regulations to avoid unintentionally spreading EAB to uninfected regions.

In general, ash firewood should not be moved long distances or across quarantine areas without proper certification. If you have ash trees removed on your property, the resulting wood should be chipped, burned on-site or left with a licensed disposal facility rather than transported off-site. Rose City Tree Trimming handles the responsible disposal of ash wood as part of our removal service, ensuring compliance with provincial regulations. If you are unsure about the rules in your area, our team can advise you on proper handling and disposal options when you call (855) 510-1827 for a consultation.

Protecting Your Property and Planning Ahead

If you have healthy ash trees on your property, proactive management can help preserve them or prepare for their eventual decline. Regular inspection by a certified arborist can catch early signs of infestation before the tree becomes a hazard. Tree pruning and proper maintenance may extend the life of a marginally infested tree, while structural cabling can support trees that are weakening but still valuable to your landscape. Diversifying your tree population with non-ash species also reduces your vulnerability to future pest outbreaks.

Planning ahead is especially important for property owners with multiple ash trees. Rather than facing emergency removal of several dead trees at once, a staged removal programme allows you to budget the work and replant strategically. Rose City Tree Trimming works with homeowners throughout the Windsor area to develop comprehensive tree management plans that address current pest pressures while improving the long-term health and beauty of their landscape. Contact us today at (855) 510-1827 to discuss your ash trees and explore your options for treatment, removal or replacement.