Emerald Ash Borer Treatments Completed for 2024; Over 3,000 Trees Treated Again This Year

The Urban Forestry section of the Streets Division has completed this year's round of treatment of public ash trees against the invasive emerald ash borer.

Public ash trees are treated once every three years.

In total, the City of Madison has 10,544 ash trees in the treatment program. These are ash trees along city streets and also in Madison parks.

In the 2024 treatment rotation, 3,264 ash trees were injected with emamectin benzoate to protect them against the emerald ash borer.

Treating public ash trees began in 2014. And this work is in accordance to the EAB Plan where as many public ash trees as possible were saved from the invasive insect.

Why treat ash trees?

Ash trees infested with emerald ash borer insects will die. There is no recovering from it.

By treating ash trees, we can prevent them from becoming infested with the ash borer and prolong their life so these mature trees can continue providing the many benefits urban trees do for our communities.

Emerald Ash Borer Resources

The Wisconsin Department of Trade, Agriculture, and Consumer Protection has links to many resources regarding the emerald ash borer.

In general, for trees on private property, consulting a certified arborist may be your best option to get expert advice on your next best steps.