The Salem Tree Commission advises the public that the emerald ash borer (EAB), an invasive beetle from Asia, is increasingly active in Salem. This destructive pest kills ash trees by tunneling through the bark, disrupting the vascular system and preventing nutrients from reaching the leaves.  

The emerald ash borer has been detected in 217 Massachusetts communities according to the MA Dept. of Conservation and Recreation, having killed millions of trees across 36 states. Property owners with ash trees are urged to monitor the health of their trees. Information and photographs for detecting insect activity are available at the USDA website: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth/plant-pest-and-dis...

With early detection, treatment options may be available for trees that are not seriously affected.  Consult a certified arborist about management of EAB.

If an ash tree needs to be removed, property owners are encouraged to plant another tree to maintain the cooling and water management benefits of our urban tree canopy. 

A useful resource for property owners is the Salem Tree Manual, found on the Salem Tree Commission website: https://www.salemma.gov/tree-commission. The manual includes photo essays about proper planting techniques for new trees and lists of suggested tree species. Also on the Tree Commission website is a link to i-Tree Design, an online program to help property owners lay out replacement trees on their land.

How to identify ash trees: https://www.gardensillustrated.com/plants/trees/identifying-ash-trees/