BUG ALERT: Invasive Emerald Ash Borer Confirmed in Robertson County
ROBERTSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News) – The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry has confirmed the presence of the emerald ash borer in Robertson County, marking the county as the latest in Tennessee with a confirmed detection of the invasive insect.
The emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) is a beetle that attacks and kills ash trees. It was first discovered in the United States in 2002 and has since killed tens of millions of ash trees across 35 states. In Tennessee, the insect was first confirmed in 2010. With the detection in Robertson County, a total of 67 counties in the state have now reported its presence.
According to the Department of Agriculture, all ash species are susceptible to emerald ash borer infestation, affecting both rural and urban areas where ash trees are common. Infested trees typically die within two to four years after symptoms first appear.
The emerald ash borer is spread primarily through human activity, including the movement of untreated firewood, infected nursery stock, unprocessed saw logs, and other ash products.
The Division of Forestry says it is actively monitoring the situation and will provide treatment resources to assist forest landowners. Officials say early detection and responsible management can help slow the spread of the insect.
Landowners are encouraged to identify ash trees on their property and watch for signs of infestation, including canopy thinning, increased woodpecker activity, bark splitting, and D-shaped exit holes on tree trunks. Officials also advise against moving ash materials or firewood unless the material has been heat-treated.
For assistance with treatment or removal, landowners are advised to contact their local Division of Forestry area forester or their local University of Tennessee Extension office for larger forested areas. Certified arborists are recommended for urban settings or smaller landscape plantings.
Additional information and resources are available through the Protect Tennessee Forests website. The Division of Forestry also encourages property owners to report confirmed cases using the state’s online Report a Pest tool, which helps track the insect’s spread and prioritize areas for additional resources.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry works to protect, conserve, and enhance the state’s forest resources, including forest health programs, landowner assistance, seedling production, forest inventory, support for forest industries, and wildland fire response.
