Ash Borer Treatment In Sioux Falls

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There's Still Time to Save Your Ash Tree

Sioux Falls has been living with emerald ash borer since 2018.

The city has removed over 17,000 ash trees from public property, and in 2024 alone issued 530 removal orders for private ash trees. That number was triple the prior year. For ash trees with less than 50% canopy affected, treatment is still an option and it works. But the window closes faster than most homeowners realize.

EAB kills from the inside out, damaging the vascular tissue that moves water and nutrients. By the time a tree looks sick, the damage is already significant. If your ash tree still has a healthy canopy, now is the time to act.

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How Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Treatment Works

Every case is different, but Emamectin Benzoate is one of the most common treatments, injected directly into the tree and moving through the vascular system to protect against EAB larvae.

It works on a two-year cycle. A single application doesn't provide permanent protection.

The critical threshold is 50% canopy dieback. Beyond that, the vascular system is too compromised for treatment to be effective and removal becomes the only path forward. Only licensed arborists can legally perform this work in Sioux Falls.

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5 Signs Your Ash Tree May Have Emerald Ash Borer

1. Thinning Canopy: Gradual canopy loss from the top down that isn't explained by drought or disease is one of the earliest visible signs.

2. Peeling Under the Bark: Peeling back bark on a declining ash tree often reveals S-shaped feeding tunnels left by EAB larvae.

3. Woodpecker Activity: Woodpeckers feed on EAB larvae. Heavy activity and bark flecking near the upper canopy is a sign worth taking seriously.

5. Epicormic Sprouting: Shoots growing directly from the trunk or major branches are a stress response common in EAB-affected ash trees.

6. Bark Splits and Cracks: Larval feeding beneath the bark causes tissue damage that can result in vertical splits. On an ash tree this warrants a professional assessment.

FAQ About Ash Borer Treatment

How do I know if my ash tree can still be treated?

The key threshold is canopy dieback. Trees with less than 50% canopy loss are generally candidates for treatment. An arborist assessment will tell you where your tree stands.

How much does EAB treatment cost?

It depends on tree diameter and how many trees are being treated. Treatment is almost always less expensive than removal, and most companies offer free assessments.

What happens if I wait?

The treatment window closes. Once more than half the canopy is gone, treatment is no longer effective and tree removal becomes the only option. Dead ash trees are also more expensive to remove than living ones, and they can fail without warning.