If you have ash trees in Salina, emerald ash borer (EAB) is worth knowing about. It is a metallic green beetle that kills ash trees, and it has been spreading across Kansas. The good news for Salina is that, as of the latest K-State update, it had not been confirmed in Saline County. The less good news is that this can change. This guide explains where things stand, what to look for and how to plan.
Where emerald ash borer stands in Kansas
K-State Research and Extension reported that EAB had been confirmed in 19 Kansas counties as of October 31, 2025. Saline County was not on that list. You can read the update in K-State Extension’s report on emerald ash borer. For Salina ash owners that means a watch-and-plan position, not an emergency. Check the latest status before you make any big decision, because counties are added over time.
Do you have an ash tree?
Ash trees have leaves made up of several leaflets, usually five to nine, arranged in pairs along a stem with one at the tip. Branches and buds grow directly opposite each other, not staggered. Green ash was widely planted in Kansas towns, so many Salina yards and streets have them. If you are not sure, take a photo of the leaves and bark to an arborist.
Signs of emerald ash borer
- Thinning or dying branches in the top of the crown, often beginning in the upper canopy.
- Small D-shaped exit holes in the bark, about the size of a pencil lead.
- Vertical splits in the bark, sometimes with S-shaped tunnels visible underneath.
- Extra sprouts growing from the trunk or base.
- Woodpecker damage, with bark flaked off the trunk.
Many of these signs also appear with drought and other stress, so they do not prove EAB. If you see them on an ash, get it checked. See drought-stressed trees in Salina KS for the stress look-alikes.
What to do now if you own ash trees
- Count and map your ash trees and note their size and condition.
- Keep them as healthy as you can, with deep watering in dry weather and mulch out to the drip line.
- Do not move firewood from other places, since that is one way the beetle spreads.
- Check the K-State status for Saline County once or twice a year.
- Decide ahead of time which ash trees are worth protecting and which will be removed.
Treat or remove?
Insecticide treatments can protect a healthy ash tree, and they are most effective before the tree has lost much of its crown. They have to be repeated on a schedule and they cost money every cycle, so they make the most sense for large, healthy, valuable trees. Trees already in decline, or small or poorly placed trees, are often better removed and replaced. An arborist can advise based on the tree and the stage of the problem.
Why dying ash trees are a hazard
Ash trees killed by EAB turn brittle quickly. Limbs and trunks can fail with little warning, especially in wind, and climbing a dead ash is dangerous even for professionals. If you have a dead or declining ash near a house, fence or line, do not wait. See hazardous tree assessment in Salina KS and tree removal in Salina KS.
Replace with variety
When an ash comes out, replace it with a different species instead of another ash, and avoid planting the same species along an entire street. The city plants only about 8 to 12 trees a year, so private yards are an important part of Salina’s tree canopy. A mix of species keeps one pest from taking everything.
Common questions about emerald ash borer
How do I know my tree is ash and not walnut or another look-alike?
Check the branching. Ash has leaves and branches that grow in opposite pairs, while walnut and many look-alikes have alternate leaves. Ash leaves also have a single leaflet at the tip, and the bark on mature trees forms a diamond-like pattern. When in doubt, send photos to an arborist.
How fast does emerald ash borer kill a tree?
Infested trees usually show serious decline within a few years, and many die within two to four years once symptoms appear. By the time the crown is visibly thin, the tree has often been infested for a while, which is why early checks matter.
Can firewood spread it?
Yes. The beetle can travel in ash firewood and logs, which is one of the main ways it reaches new areas. Burn firewood where you buy it, and do not move ash wood long distances.
How do I find out if it has reached Saline County?
Check K-State Research and Extension and the Kansas Forest Service for the current county list. The list as of October 31, 2025 had 19 counties and did not include Saline County, but it is updated over time, so look before you decide on treatment or removal.
What does protecting an ash tree involve?
Insecticide treatments applied to the soil or trunk can protect healthy ash, and they have to be repeated on a schedule. They suit large, healthy trees best. An arborist can tell you which method fits your tree and when to begin.
Need help with a tree in Salina KS?
If you want a professional to look at a tree, request a free tree service quote in Salina KS. Describe the tree, where it stands and what worries you, and send photos if you can. You can also print the tree check checklist for Salina KS homeowners to walk your property first, or read the tree service FAQ for Salina KS.
