Don't Wait: Once an ash tree loses more than 30–40% of its canopy, treatment is usually not effective and removal becomes the only option. Have your trees assessed now — before visible symptoms become severe.
What Is the Emerald Ash Borer?
The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive beetle originally from Asia that has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees across North America. EAB larvae burrow beneath the bark and carve winding channels that disrupt the tree's ability to move water and nutrients. Trees typically die within 2–4 years of initial infestation.
EAB has been confirmed in South Dakota, making it a real and urgent threat for Sioux Falls homeowners with ash trees.
Signs Your Ash Tree May Have EAB
- Canopy thinning or dieback starting at the top of the tree
- D-shaped exit holes (about 1/8 inch wide) punched through the bark
- S-shaped galleries visible when you peel back loose bark
- Increased woodpecker activity (they're feeding on larvae)
- New shoots sprouting from the trunk or major branches
Our Treatment: Trunk Injections
Royal Tree Service uses professional-grade trunk injections that deliver systemic insecticide directly into the tree's vascular system — the most effective EAB treatment method available. Each treatment provides 2 years of protection and is highly effective when applied to healthy or lightly infested trees.
- Applied directly into the trunk — no spraying, no soil drenching
- Up to 2 years of protection per treatment
- Effective for trees with less than 30–40% canopy loss
- Free on-site assessment to determine candidacy
What If My Tree Is Already Heavily Infested?
If your ash tree has lost a significant portion of its canopy, professional removal is usually the right choice. A heavily infested tree won't recover and becomes brittle and dangerous. We can advise you on replacement species not susceptible to EAB.