What Kansas City Homeowners Need to Know

Ash trees are some of the most beautiful and valuable trees in Kansas City — providing shade, color, and character to our neighborhoods. Unfortunately, they’re also under serious threat from one of the most destructive pests in North America: the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB).

This invasive beetle has already caused the loss of tens of millions of ash trees across the U.S., and it’s actively spreading through the Kansas City metro, including Overland Park, Lee’s Summit, Liberty, Olathe, and surrounding communities.

What Is Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)?

The Emerald Ash Borer is a small, metallic green beetle native to Asia that targets and kills only ash trees. Adult beetles lay eggs on the bark, and when the larvae hatch, they burrow beneath the surface, feeding on the inner bark and disrupting the tree’s ability to move water and nutrients.

Even healthy ash trees can die within 2–4 years of infestation if left untreated.

How to Tell If Your Ash Tree Is at Risk

It’s not a matter of if EAB will arrive — it’s a matter of when your tree will be affected.
Here’s how to spot early warning signs that your ash tree may be under attack:

• Thinning canopy or dead branches at the top of the tree

• D-shaped exit holes (about ⅛ inch wide) in the bark

• S-shaped tunnels under the bark when peeled back

• Woodpecker damage (they feed on EAB larvae)

• Bark splitting or vertical cracks revealing insect galleries

• Epicormic shoots (new sprouts growing from the trunk or base)

If you notice any of these symptoms, your tree may already be infested — and time is critical.

Treatment Options for Emerald Ash Borer

At Cartwright Tree Care, our Tree Health Experts use scientifically proven treatments to protect ash trees from Emerald Ash Borer damage.

Our process includes:

1. Inspection & Risk Assessment – We identify if your tree is an ash species and evaluate its health.

2. Preventative Trunk Injections – We apply professional-grade insecticides directly into the tree’s vascular system, protecting it from EAB larvae for up to two years.

3. Ongoing Monitoring – Regular inspections help us catch new infestations early and maintain protection.

Our goal is to preserve your ash trees whenever possible — saving you the cost and loss of removing mature trees.

Local Expertise, Proven Results

EAB has been confirmed in numerous Kansas City-area communities, including Grandview, Raymore, Parkville, and Merriam. Because we’ve served this region for over 25 years, we know how to identify and manage infestations specific to our local climate and soil conditions.

Our team of tree health professionals provides honest assessments — if your tree can be saved, we’ll help you protect it; if removal is the safest option, we’ll handle it with precision and care.

Take Action Before It’s Too Late

Emerald Ash Borer spreads quickly and silently — by the time visible damage appears, it may already be widespread. The best protection is early, preventative treatment.

📞 Contact Cartwright Tree Care today to schedule your EAB inspection and learn how our Tree Health Experts can help protect your ash trees and your property’s beauty for years to come.

Serving homeowners and businesses throughout the Kansas City metro, including Overland Park, Lee’s Summit, Olathe, Liberty, and North Kansas City.