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.

Municipal Planning Resources

Examples of Vermont EAB Preparedness and Management Plans

Bradford

Charlotte

Danville

Essex (Town)

Essex Junction

Fairlee

Jericho

Middlebury

Montpelier

Northfield (draft)

Richmond

Rutland

Stowe

Underhill

Williston

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

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

Charlotte: Notice of Public Hearing to Consider the Removal of Ash Trees, 2019

Charlotte: Letter to landowners regarding the Public Hearing, 2019

Charlotte: RFP for ash tree removals, 2020

East Montpelier: RFP packet for ash tree removals including landowner letters, 2020

Essex: RFP for urban ash tree removals, 2020

Essex: RFP for rural ash tree removals, 2020

Richmond: RFP for treatment, removals, and replanting, 2021

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

 

Additional Resources

Dealing with Ash Trees: When to Climb, and What to Do If You Can't (EAB University Webinar, April 2019)

Municipal Management & Preparedness for Emerald Ash Borer (VT UCF, April 2019)

Resources for Private Landowners

  • Chester Public Tree Inventory

    Highlight town map indicating inventory areas

  • Chester Public Tree Inventory

    Essex Town Public Tree Inventory

  • Chester Public Tree Inventory

    Vershire Rural Roadside Ash Inventory Training

  • Chester Public 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