Emerald ash borer (EAB) was first confirmed 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 significant risk to public safety. The loss of ash trees will leave gaps, impacting the ecological, economic, and aesthetic benefits provided by the urban forest. Municipalities will bear the responsibility and costs of removing and/or treating public ash trees, as well as any replanting efforts. 

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

Municipal Planning Resources

Municipal Ash Management Strategy Overview
Emerald Ash Borer Management Worksheet for Vermont Communities
Managing EAB in your Municipality: FAQs
Ash Inventory Options
Vermont Forest Pest Planning Case Studies
Urban Wood Utilization
Recommendations to Slow the Spread of EAB
Dead Ash Dangers and Considerations for Risk and Removal (webinar recording)
Municipal Management & Preparedness for Emerald Ash Borer (recorded presentation)

Insecticide Treatment Resources

Options for Protecting Ash Trees from Emerald Ash Borer with Insecticide Treatments
Ash Tree Protection Services Contact List (October 2019)
Vermont Agency of Agriculture's Certified Pesticide Applicator Database 
FAQs on the Potential Side Effects of Systemic Insecticides
Multistate EAB Factsheet: Insecticide Options for Protecting Ash Trees from Emerald Ash Borer

Budgeting Resources

EAB Cost Calculator
EAB Management Cost Calculator

Rough estimates on costs

Ash tree removals: $18.33/inch DBH or $155-$3500/tree (many factors determine per tree cost)

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 someone on town staff that is a certified pesticide applicator) ​

Resources for Private Landowners/Homeowners

Homeowners Guide to Emerald Ash Borer
Information for Landowners
Ash Tree Identification

Information on EAB in Vermont

Infested Area Map
EAB Identification
EAB in Vermont: Focus on Forests (recorded presentation)

Examples of Vermont EAB Preparedness and Management Plans

Bakersfield 
Charlotte
Enosburgh 
Essex (Town) 
Essex Junction
Fairfax 
Fairlee
Hartford 
Johnson 
Middlebury
Montpelier
Randolph 
Richford 
Rutland
South Burlington 
Williston 

Examples of Request for Proposals (RFPs) and Provisions related to EAB

RFP for ash tree removal along Lake Road, Charlotte, spring 2019

Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) - EAB special provisions for contracted services, 2019
 

Resources from other states

Worksheet and Flow Chart for Community Planning from Connecticut Urban Forest Council

Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources EAB Management

Onondaga County (NY) Ash Tree Management Strategy: a good example of a comprehensive regional plan

For assistance with roadside ash inventory and mapping, plan editing and review, and outreach and education contact Elise Schadler at elise.schadler@vermont.gov or (802) 522.6015