The emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) is a small, invasive tree pest that causes extensive damage to ash trees. It bores under the bark of ash trees, cutting off their lifeline from the inside out. Once a tree is infested, it usually dies within one to four years.

The emerald ash borer was found in Boulder in 2013 and is expected to spread. Over the next decade, this insect has the potential to destroy more of Aurora's urban forest than any other disease or pest in history. The city is focusing on replacing ash tress to help protect our urban forest for the future. Planting, new diverse trees is the best way to reduce the damage caused by EAB and make Aurora's tree canopy stronger over time.

For more information about EAB visit the Colorado State Forest Service site, the Arapahoe County site or the EAB Network.