Is the emerald ash borer in Oklahoma yet?

Yes. EAB was first detected in Oklahoma in 2016 in Ottawa County (northeast). As of 2026, it has spread to multiple counties including those near Tulsa. All ash trees in Oklahoma are now at risk.

How do I know if my ash tree has emerald ash borer?

Look for D-shaped exit holes in the bark, S-shaped tunnels under the bark, woodpecker damage, canopy thinning starting at the top, and epicormic sprouting (shoots growing from the trunk). By the time symptoms are visible, the tree is usually heavily infested.

Can you save an ash tree from EAB?

Only if caught very early and treated with systemic insecticide (imidacloprid or emamectin benzoate) every 1-3 years. Once more than 50% of the canopy is dead, treatment is no longer cost-effective.

Emerald Ash Borer in Oklahoma: What Tulsa Homeowners Need to Know

Name: Tulsa Tree Removal
Address: Tulsa, OK, US
Telephone: (918) 359-5928
Price range: $$

If you have an ash tree on your Tulsa property, you need to know about the emerald ash borer (EAB). This invasive insect has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees across the U.S. since 2002, and it's now established in Oklahoma. Here's what's happening, how to spot it, and what your options are.

What is the Emerald Ash Borer?

The emerald ash borer is a metallic green beetle native to Asia. It was introduced to Michigan in shipping materials around 2002 and has been spreading west ever since. The adult beetle is small (½ inch) and rarely noticed. The damage comes from the larvae, which tunnel under the bark and cut off the tree's ability to move water and nutrients.

Result: Infested ash trees die within 2-4 years of initial attack, often faster if the tree is already stressed.

EAB Status in Oklahoma (2026)

First detection: 2016, Ottawa County (northeast Oklahoma)
Current spread: Multiple counties, moving steadily west and south
Tulsa risk level: High. EAB is in counties adjacent to Tulsa County; widespread infestation is expected within 1-3 years if not already present.
Quarantine: Oklahoma has state and federal quarantines restricting the movement of ash wood, nursery stock, and firewood from infested areas.

If you have an ash tree, assume EAB will reach it. The question is whether to treat preemptively or plan for removal.

How to Identify an Ash Tree

Not sure if you have an ash? Look for:

Opposite branching: Branches grow in pairs directly across from each other (not alternating).
Compound leaves: 5-11 leaflets per leaf, arranged in a feather pattern.
Diamond-patterned bark on mature trees.
Seed clusters: Winged seeds (samaras) that hang in clusters, often persisting into winter.

Common ash species in Tulsa: green ash (most common in landscaping), white ash, and occasionally blue ash.

Signs of EAB Infestation

Early signs (harder to spot, tree may still be treatable):

Canopy thinning starting at the top of the tree
Increased woodpecker activity (they feed on EAB larvae)
Epicormic shoots — small branches sprouting from the trunk or main limbs

Late signs (tree is heavily infested, treatment usually not cost-effective):

D-shaped exit holes in the bark (⅛ inch wide)
S-shaped galleries (tunnels) visible when bark is peeled back
Bark splitting and falling off in sections
50%+ canopy dieback

By the time you see exit holes, the tree has been infested for 1-2 years. That's why preemptive monitoring and treatment matter.

Treatment: Does It Work?

Yes — if the tree is healthy or lightly infested (less than 30% canopy loss) and if you're willing to commit to multi-year treatment.

Effective treatments:

Trunk injection (imidacloprid or emamectin benzoate): Applied by a licensed professional every 1-3 years. Most effective method. Cost: $150-$400 per tree per treatment depending on size.
Soil drench (imidacloprid): Homeowner-applied, slower uptake, less reliable. Not recommended for large trees.

When treatment makes sense:

High-value tree (large, prominent, healthy specimen)
Tree is in a low-EAB-pressure area and you catch it early
You're willing to treat every 1-3 years indefinitely (EAB doesn't go away)

When treatment doesn't make sense:

Tree already shows 40%+ canopy loss
Tree is in decline from other causes (root damage, disease)
Treatment cost exceeds replacement cost over 5 years

Removal: When It's the Right Call

Most Tulsa homeowners with ash trees will eventually choose removal. It's cheaper to remove a standing, mostly healthy ash tree now than to pay emergency rates for a dead, brittle hazard tree in 3 years.

Removal cost for ash trees:

Small (under 30 ft): $400-$800
Medium (30-50 ft): $800-$1,500
Large (50+ ft): $1,500-$3,000+

Dead ash trees cost 20-40% more to remove due to brittle wood and safety concerns.

Replanting After Ash Removal

Native alternatives that thrive in Tulsa and won't attract EAB:

Bur oak or Chinkapin oak: Long-lived, strong wood, excellent shade.
Shumard oak: Fast-growing for an oak, brilliant fall color.
Kentucky coffeetree: Unique bark, tough, handles urban conditions.
Honeylocust (thornless cultivars): Filtered shade, low maintenance.
American sycamore: Fast-growing, massive shade, tolerates wet sites.

Don't Move Firewood

EAB spreads primarily through human transport of infested firewood and nursery stock. Never move firewood more than 10 miles. Burn local, buy local, or heat-treat before transporting.

Get a Free Assessment

Call (918) 359-5928 for a free ash tree assessment. Our ISA-certified arborists can identify ash trees, check for EAB, and recommend treatment or removal. Licensed and insured, serving Tulsa metro.