Due to the widespread ash population, Farmington does not currently provide this service. Property owners are encouraged to find an ISA-certified arborist to inspect their private ash trees if it is showing signs or symptoms of EAB. Note: excessive dead branches in the lower portion of the canopy are NOT a sign of EAB, but a normal habit for ash trees if they aren't regularly pruned.

The primary symptoms of EAB are woodpecker activity, bark splits, crown dieback, and suckering shoots. If you would like additional information and pictures to help with identifying these symptoms see EAB Signs and Symptoms or contact a consulting ISA certified arborist.

Leaf-off conditions are best for seeing EAB damage on the tree. An infested ash tree has bark splits with visible larval galleries and/or significant woodpecker activity due to the presence of emerald ash borer (EAB). Virtually all ash trees are already infested in Farmington, so always treat ash wood as if it is harboring EAB larvae.

If you have ash trees on your private property, they are likely infested. There are chemical trunk injections available that protect ash trees from EAB, and the city offers a reduced-cost program to assist residents in preserving their shade. If a tree has 30% dieback or less, an ash tree may be treated and saved. Earlier is always better. Get more information on how to Manage EAB on your Property. If trees are not injected, they will die from EAB, and the property owner is responsible for managing ash tree removal, ideally before they become brittle and hazardous.

No. Staff will only be marking ash trees that are unprotected (untreated), declining and rated as being in poor condition. Unless the ash tree presents a safety hazard, staff will not mark it for removal. Ash trees that are found to be treated by the resident will be assessed every three years to ensure they have been treated. If found to be in poor condition they will be removed. Please let the city know if you plan to stop treating the ash tree in the boulevard.

The ash tree will be tagged with a silver-colored medallion. There is no cost for the property owner for treatment of a boulevard tree.

The insecticide is injected inside the tree trunk at the base of the tree, so there is no need to restrict access to the tree like you might have to with traditional lawn treatments (which are sprayed onto the soil).

FAQ on Potential Side Effects of EAB Insecticides

The ash trees that are included in the city’s municipal injection program are treated every three years. For example, trees with a 2021 tag will be treated in 2024, unless found to be in poor condition. The city is injecting public ash trees to help slow mortality and spread-out tree removals.

The ash tree will be marked with pink X and a number on the trunk of the tree.

A door hanger will be placed on property doors near boulevard ash trees marked for removal.

No. If the tree is in the boulevard, the removal and stump grinding/restoration will be at no cost to the property owner.

Not at this time. Funds are being prioritized for tree removal as dead and declining ash trees pose public safety concerns. If you decide to replant, we recommend you do so on your private property. If trees are planted in the boulevard they are on public property and planted at the resident’s risk.