If you have an ash tree in your yard, now is a good time to take a close look at it. Emerald ash borer, an invasive beetle that has killed millions of ash trees across the country, has spread across much of Missouri, and ash trees in southwest Missouri are at risk.
The damage happens under the bark, so the early signs are easy to miss. Watch for a canopy that thins out starting at the top, small D-shaped exit holes in the bark, vertical splits in the trunk, heavy woodpecker activity that strips off patches of bark, and clusters of new sprouts along the lower trunk.
Timing matters with ash. Trees killed by emerald ash borer become brittle and unpredictable faster than most species, which makes removal harder and riskier the longer a dead ash stands. Oasis Tree Care's certified arborists can assess your ash trees and help you plan the right next step before a declining tree becomes a hazard.
Do you have an ash tree on your property, and have you noticed its canopy thinning over the last couple of seasons?
#SpringfieldMO #EmeraldAshBorer
Authentic photo of an ash tree with a thinning upper canopy on a real Springfield-area job, or a close-up of D-shaped exit holes or woodpecker damage on ash bark. Do not caption or tag any individual by name. Real job photos strongly preferred over stock imagery.
Canva text suggestion: "Is Your Ash Tree Thinning From the Top?" or "Know the Signs of Emerald Ash Borer"