In a bid to safeguard its greenery, the City of Dallas is ramping up its efforts against the emerald ash borer (EAB), a wood-boring insect that poses a significant threat to ash trees in North Texas. Collaborating with the Texas A&M Forest Service (TFS) and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), the city is diligently tracking the EAB’s presence and executing its strategic EAB Action Plan.
Confirmed sightings of the EAB have been reported throughout Dallas. Recent surveillance has identified the borer within key areas such as near Texas State Highway Loop 12, Interstate 30, and the Great Trinity Forest. These findings build on earlier detections around Dowdy Ferry Road and Interstate 20 in 2023, illustrating the pest’s relentless spread across the region.
To fortify the urban tree canopy, city officials are committed to ongoing inspection, treatment, and mitigation initiatives. Since the fall of 2022, preventive treatments have been administered to over 300 ash trees. These treatments occur biennially, with the next round slated for spring 2027. Focus is placed on prominent ash trees, typically those 15 inches or larger in diameter and in healthy condition, as well as those in large groves, while heavily infested trees are removed for safety. Plans for reforestation in the Great Trinity Forest aim to counteract potential ash tree losses. The Forestry Technical Team is actively engaged in identifying and removing dead or compromised ash trees from public spaces.
Residents can report potential EAB infestations through the City’s “Emerald Ash Borer Information” service request. This service offers guidance on spotting EAB signs and managing infested trees. Reporting can be done by calling 311 or using the Dallas 311 mobile app.
Dallas County, alongside neighboring counties, remains under a state-imposed quarantine enforced by the TDA. This quarantine limits the transport of ash wood, ash logs, wood waste, and hardwood firewood out of quarantined zones to curb the insect’s spread.
Recent Quarantine Expansions
Statewide surveillance has led to more counties being added to the quarantine list:
- May 27, 2025: Bell, Jack, Navarro, Rockwall, and Somervell counties
- December 15, 2025: Upshur County
These expansions underscore the escalating presence of EAB in Texas and stress the necessity of adhering to quarantine rules.
The City of Dallas pledges to persist in its monitoring and treatment activities and to enhance education and outreach efforts for residents and businesses. Community involvement is crucial for mitigating the long-term effects of this invasive species.
For detailed information on identifying ash trees, detecting EAB symptoms, and protecting trees on private property, visit the City of Dallas Forestry website at bit.ly/CODforestry or the EAB Information Center at bit.ly/DallasEABinfo.
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