If you have ash trees on your property in the Franklin or Williamson County area, Emerald Ash Borer is something you need to be thinking about.
EAB is a small, invasive beetle that kills ash trees by disrupting their ability to move water and nutrients. Once an ash is infested, the decline is often rapid and the damage is irreversible if it goes untreated. Middle Tennessee has confirmed EAB pressure, and untreated ash trees in this region face a serious prognosis without intervention.
The warning signs aren't always obvious early on. Canopy thinning from the top down, S-shaped galleries under the bark, and D-shaped exit holes (about the width of a pencil eraser) are the clearest indicators. Woodpecker activity on the trunk is another signal, since birds go after the larvae. By the time those signs are highly visible, the infestation is typically well-established.
The good news: EAB is treatable, especially when caught early. Franklin Tree Service offers EAB assessments and treatment programs for ash trees across our service area. Treatment is most effective on trees that still have a healthy portion of their canopy intact.
If you have ash trees, we'd encourage you to have them looked at this season. Free estimate at franklintree.com or (615) 866-7056.
Do you know whether the trees on your property include any ash species? Many homeowners aren't sure — it's one of the most common questions we get. #FranklinTN #TreeCare #EmeraldAshBorer
A close-up of EAB damage: D-shaped exit holes in ash bark, or S-shaped feeding galleries under bark. Alternatively, a before/after of an ash tree showing thinning canopy. Authentic job photos from EAB treatment or assessment work in the Franklin area are ideal.
Canva text suggestion: "Ash Tree? Get It Checked for EAB This Season" or "Emerald Ash Borer Is in Middle Tennessee"