Your Ash is on the Line! Help Stop the Spread of Emerald Ash Borer
Article and photos by the City of Littleton
As temperatures warm, Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), an invasive beetle that attacks and kills ash trees are on the move. Adult beetles typically emerge from ash trees between May and July, with activity peaking in June, making this the ideal time for residents to inspect their trees for signs of infestation.
EAB was confirmed in Littleton in 2023 and continues to threaten the community’s urban forest. Ash trees account for approximately 15% of Littleton’s tree canopy (an estimated 45,000 trees) with most located on private property. Untreated ash trees will eventually die once infested.
Residents with ash trees should watch for common signs of EAB, including D-shaped exit holes in branches, thinning leaves in the upper canopy, vertical bark splits, and excessive shoots growing from the trunk. Early detection and treatment can help preserve healthy trees and avoid costly removals later.
Remember: don’t move firewood, as transporting infested wood is one of the primary ways EAB spreads to new areas.
Learn more about the Emerald Ash Borer at LittletonCO.gov/EAB
