Signs of EAB Damage in Watertown Ash Trees
Every fact cited
Common signs: canopy thinning starting at the top (often mistaken for normal aging in a mature tree), D-shaped exit holes about 1/8 inch wide, bark splitting that reveals S-shaped tunneling underneath, and a jump in woodpecker activity as birds go after larvae. Watertown’s Forestry staff have direct local experience with these signs since confirming EAB in the city, so a call to their office alongside an arborist visit is a reasonable first step if you’re unsure.
Is it too late to treat a tree that's already lost some canopy?
Not necessarily — it depends on how much. Trees treated before significant dieback respond better; a tree that's lost a large share of its canopy may be a weaker treatment candidate and worth an honest removal conversation instead.