Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is one of the most destructive invasive tree pests ever introduced to Wisconsin. Since its arrival, it has killed millions of ash trees across the Midwest, including thousands throughout Madison and Dane County.
If you have an ash tree on your property, it is not a matter of if it will be exposed — it is a matter of when.
The good news: professionally timed injection treatments are highly effective at protecting ash trees from Emerald Ash Borer.
At Keyman Lawn, Tree & Pest, we provide proven trunk-injection treatments that protect ash trees for up to two growing seasons.
Emerald Ash Borer is an invasive beetle from Asia. The adult beetles lay eggs on ash trees, and once larvae hatch, they tunnel beneath the bark.
It is the larval feeding stage that kills trees.
As larvae feed on the xylem — the tissue responsible for transporting water and nutrients — they create serpentine galleries that disrupt the tree’s vascular system.
Once nutrient flow is restricted, canopy decline accelerates rapidly.
Without treatment, most untreated ash trees die within 2–4 years of infestation.
Early detection improves treatment success. Common signs include:
By the time 30–40% canopy loss occurs, infestation is typically advanced.
This is why preventative treatment is strongly recommended in Madison.
We use Mectinite (4% Emamectin Benzoate), a university-proven systemic insecticide.
Application process:
Benefits of trunk injection:
Treatment timing is critical. Applications are typically performed in spring or early summer during active vascular flow.
Emerald Ash Borer is firmly established throughout Southern Wisconsin.
Waiting for visible decline significantly reduces success rates.
Preventative treatment:
Ash tree removal in Madison can range from $1,500 to $5,000+, depending on size.
Proactive protection is almost always the more economical decision.
We understand the progression patterns of Emerald Ash Borer in Dane County.
Our technicians:
We don’t oversell treatments for trees beyond recovery. If removal is more appropriate, we will tell you.
Our goal is long-term tree health — not short-term billing.
