Emerald Ash Borer Management

Emerald ash borer (EAB) was first confirmed in Vermont in February 2018.  We encourage all Vermont towns to prepare for and manage the impacts of EAB and the loss of ash trees in our communities. Dead and dying ash trees along the public right-of-way and in public places, such as parks and schools, pose a risk to public safety. The loss of ash trees will leave gaps, impacting the ecological, economic, and aesthetic benefits provided by every municipality's urban forest. Municipalities will bear the responsibility and costs of removing ash trees, replanting trees of other species, and treating ash trees with insecticide to protect them from EAB infestation. Learn more about the impact of EAB on the USDA APHIS story map.

Quick Links

Infested Area Map EAB Identification Ash Tree Identification

Stay up to date by visiting VTinvasives.org and signing up for the EAB Updates Listserv.

Examples of Vermont EAB Preparedness and Management Plans
Budgeting Resources
  • Rough Estimates:

    Ash tree removals: Many factors determine cost of ash removals, including size, location, proximity to other infrastructure, bundling with additional removals, and proximity to known EAB infestation. The range we have seen in VT is quite large: $85-$3500/tree.  We recommend consulting with an arborist with as many specific details as possible to get an accurate estimate.

    Stump grinding: $6.50/inch DBH or $125-250/tree

    Replacement tree planting: $100-$600/tree (many factors determine planting cost)

    Insecticide treatment: $3 - $15/DBH inch every other year (lower cost estimates if application is done by town staff that hold pesticide applicator certification) ​

Examples of Contracting Documents and Public Notices
Additional Resources
  • Highlight town map indicating inventory areas

    Highlight town map indicating inventory areas

  • Essex Town Public Tree Inventory

    Essex Town Public Tree Inventory

  • Vershire Rural Roadside Ash Inventory Training

    Vershire Rural Roadside Ash Inventory Training

  • Winooski tree inventory

    Winooski tree inventory

  • Chester Public Tree Inventory

    Chester Public Tree Inventory

Need Assistance?

For assistance with roadside ash inventory and mapping, plan editing and review, and outreach and education contact Joanne Garton (joanne.garton@vermont.gov), Technical Assistance Coordinator. For assistance with outreach and educational efforts related to EAB, contact Ginger Nickerson (ginger.nickerson@uvm.edu), Forest Pest Education Coordinator