Managing Emerald Ash Borer in Connecticut
Connecticut is working to slow the spread of the emerald ash borer (EAB), and everyone can help. Find out what you need to know regarding EAB.
Homeowners
Woodland owners
Users of firewood
Firewood dealers
Loggers and foresters
Municipalities
Arborists and others in the green industry
Homeowners
Homeowners with ash trees on their property are encouraged to know the signs of the emerald ash borer (EAB) and to know the health and conditions of their trees. Pre-emptive removal of ash trees is not recommended unless the insect is known to be in the vicinity. Trees infested by EAB or in the vicinity of an EAB infestation (about 15 miles) can be effectively treated with a systemic insecticide.
Homeowners with questions about the health of their trees or the presence of EAB can contact a licensed arborist.
Property owners who wish to cut down an ash tree, or any hardwood tree for that matter, and make use of it as firewood should be aware of the regulations regarding the movement of firewood and the requirement for documentation regarding the transport of firewood. The easiest way to meet this requirement is through a Self-Issued Firewood Transportation Certificate.
Woodland owners
Woodland owners in Connecticut are encouraged to learn how to recognize signs of the emerald ash borer, as well as to know how to identify ash trees. Ash is a small but significant component of Connecticut's forests, and it may be a major component of an individual woodland owner's property. Ash wood is valued as timber and as firewood, and ash is an important tree for wildlife.
Because of the value of ash wood, woodland owners should be careful regarding solicitations for the pre-emptive removal of ash trees from their land. Before selling trees, woodland owners are encouraged to consult with their Service Forester or seek the services of a CT DEEP certified forester.
Woodland owners who wish to cut down an ash tree, or any hardwood tree for that matter, and make use of it as firewood should be aware of the regulations regarding the movement of firewood and the requirement for documentation regarding the transport of firewood. The easiest way to meet this requirement is through a Self-Issued Firewood Transportation Certificate.
Users of firewood
The movement of firewood is one of the primary means by which EAB and other invasive wood-boring insects are spread. For this reason, there has been an intensive effort to inform firewood users about invasive pests to reduce the likelihood of moving the insect into new areas. By following common-sense measures, people who use firewood can have a real impact.
The best piece of advice regarding firewood is to not use firewood that has either come from outside the immediate vicinity (roughly 25 miles) or from an area known to be infested by invasive insect pests. If firewood from outside the immediate vicinity is to be used, then it should be treated in accordance with federally mandated standards to ensure that it does not carry harmful insects or diseases.
In direct response to EAB, the State of Connecticut has issued a regulation that all individuals who transport firewood must have documentation accompanying that firewood. The easiest way to meet this legal requirement is through a Self-Issued Firewood Transportation Certificate.
Firewood dealers
Because firewood can spread EAB and other invasive insects, Connecticut has established specific responsibilities for those who sell firewood. These responsibilities include requiring that any firewood dealer know the geographic source of any firewood that he or she is selling, and that dealers know whether any out-of-state firewood meets the requirements established by the U.S.D.A. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the CT Agricultural Experiment Station.
Restrictions are also in place regarding the movement of firewood out of Connecticut. APHIS is very concerned about the movement of firewood from an infested area to any non-infested areas, while individual states may have restrictions on the transport of firewood into the state. Firewood dealers should be aware of these rules.
State regulations also require that all individuals who transport firewood must carry documentation regarding the source and destination of that firewood. The easiest way to meet this requirement that those who transport firewood must have documentation is through a Self-Issued Firewood Transportation Certificate.
Loggers, foresters, and other forest practitioners
As providers of woodland services, loggers and foresters are in an excellent position to provide information to woodland owners and the general public regarding EAB. By staying informed about the status of EAB and sharing their knowledge, forest practitioners play an important role in protecting the forest. It is especially important that they help direct their clients to the right course of action.
In early December 2014, Connecticut rescinded its quarantine requirements regarding the movement of ash sawlogs within the State of Connecticut, and joined the larger, multi-state federal quarantine established by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. The state quarantine was lifted in 2021, but regulations on the movement of firewood remain in effect. Forest Practitioners who seek to move material out of state are obligated to know the restrictions in place governing this movement.
Municipalities
Many municipalities are responding to a large number of dead or dying ash trees. To be prepared for this, municipalities should know the quantity and locations of ash trees along streets and in public areas. Early detection of infested trees is helpful, as important individual trees can be saved by appropriate treatment. Municipalities can spread knowledge within their community of the seriousness of the threat posed by EAB and guide residents towards appropriate action.
Municipalities may also wish to research opportunities to use wood from ash trees and other species through the publication entitled The Use of Wood from Urban and Municipal Trees.
Arborists and others in the green industry
For individual property owners, it is arborists, landscapers, and others in the green industry who are relied upon to share their expertise regarding the emerald ash borer. This is a considerable responsibility, which requires the professional to stay current on threats to trees in the landscape, including EAB and other invasive insects.
EAB resources
The emerald ash borer network and CT DEEP Forestry Division's Emerald Ash Borer in Connecticut webpage provide regular updates on the insect's status, as well as treatment options for professionals in the field.
Background information on EAB
General Information on EAB in Connecticut
Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station EAB Page
Information on preserving ash trees
Guidelines for Preserving EAB-Infested Ash Trees
The movement of wood
Regulations on the Movement of Firewood
Professional resources
Find a Certified Forest Practitioner
Contact Your Service Forester
Content last updated April 2026.