The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a non-native, wood-boring beetle that can attack all ash tree species. This insect was first discovered in Michigan in 2002, and since then it has spread to 31 states, including Colorado. The ash tree is a very commonly planted tree in many communities. EAB has killed tens of millions of ash trees in the United States. Once the EAB population builds in numbers, ash mortality is near 100%.

EAB was first discovered in Colorado in the City of Boulder in September 2013. Now the City of Boulder presumes EAB is present throughout the city. EAB has since been discovered in many neighboring cities including Longmont.
On Nov. 12, 2013 the Colorado Department of Agriculture established a quarantine zone around Boulder County, the City of Erie, and the Republic Landfill (north Jefferson County) off of Highway 93.

All hardwood firewood is considered regulated articles and are restricted from transport outside of Boulder County. Learn more about the EAB quarantine: Colorado Department of Agriculture.

Resources

• Resident Resources for Private Ash Trees
• Licensed Tree Contractors
• EAB Decision Guide (PDF)
• Tree Preservation
• Ash Tree Removal and Replacement 
• EAB Enforcement on Private Property