The emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) was first discovered in the U.S. in 2002 in southeastern Michigan.In 2010, this Asian beetle was discovered in Ulster County for the first time. This beetle infests and kills our ash species including green, white, and black ash. Thus, all of our native ash trees are susceptible. Adult beetles leave distinctive D-shaped exit holes in the outer bark of the branches and the trunk. Adults are roughly 3/8 to 5/8 inch long with metallic green wing covers and a coppery red or purple abdomen. They may be present from late May through early September but are most common in June and July. Signs of infection include tree canopy dieback, yellowing, and browning of leaves. Most trees die within 2 to 4 years of becoming infested. The emerald ash borer is responsible for the destruction of thousands of ash trees in Ulster County since its discovery in the Town of Saugerties back in 2010.
Ulster County EAB Action Plan (2014)
Town of Woodstock EAB Preparedness Plan (2012)
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County EAB Resources
EAB Quarantines and Regulations:
NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets Regulations and Quarantines
NYSDEC Regulations and Quarantines
General EAB Information, History, etc:
NYSDEC Emerald Ash Borer information page
NYSDEC EAB Frequently Asked Questions
NYSDEC EAB Response Plan (2011)
History of EAB in New York State
NYS Invasive Species Information page on EAB
