The Virginia Department of Forestry is offering a cost-share program to support the treatment of ash trees. The emerald ash borer, one of the most destructive forest pests to ever invade North America, attacks ash trees and has already caused millions of dollars in damages as hundreds of millions of ash trees have perished.

All ash species native to North America are susceptible and likely to die within one to five years of being infested, VDF said. Ash trees are commonly found in yards and lining county roads, as well as in the woods. If not treated or removed, ash trees often fall and unexpectedly drop limbs, posing significant risk to public safety.

Landowners with ash trees on their property should consider treatment or removal performed by a qualified arborist. If you are not sure if your tree is an ash, see VDOF’s online resources or contact your local VDOF forester for assistance.

The emerald ash borer has spread throughout much of the commonwealth since being rediscov...