How does EAB harm ash trees?
The larval stage of EAB feeds under the bark of trees, cutting off the flow of water and nutrients. Branches of heavily infested trees will begin to die, usually near the top of the crown and progressing downward. The bark may crack directly over larval galleries. Adult beetles chew characteristic “D”-shaped exit holes as they leave former feeding sites below the bark. Infested trees gradually die over a two- to four-year period.
