The Emerald Ash Borer has killed more than 50 million ash trees in the U.S., and tree experts advise that it is only a matter of time before the insect is detected in Nebraska.

The insect is a small, destructive beetle that could do a lot of damage to Nebraska’s 44 million ash trees. It has been detected in Iowa, Kansas, Colorado, Minnesota and Missouri, but it has not been found yet in Nebraska.

Ash trees make up approximately 13 percent of the trees in City parks and right of ways. While this is not a majority of the overall tree population, the City will likely lose some trees to the Emerald Ash Borer.

The City will be following the guidance of the Nebraska State Forrester and the Douglas/Sarpy Extension Office, and residents with ash trees are recommended to do the same.

At this time there are no plans for the City apply chemical treatments in an effort to try and prevent the infestation. These treatments are expensive and there is no evidence they would be completely successful in each tree. When the Emerald Ash Borer is active in the metro area, the City anticipates there will be designated disposal locations for infected trees.

Who can I call if I think my tree has Emerald Ash Borer?

• National Emerald Ash Borer hotline: 866-322-4512
• Douglas/Sarpy Extension Office: 402-444-7804
• Nebraska Department of Agriculture: 402-471-2394

Where can I find more information about Emerald Ash Borer?

The following websites and publications have more information:

• Nebraska Forest Service
• Nebraska Department of Agriculture
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln Department of Entomology
• Emerald Ash Borer Info
• Don’t Move Firewood