The emerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive beetle from Asia that has been steadily destroying ash trees across Quebec since it was first detected in the province in 2008. Kirkland and Baie-D'Urfé have been hit particularly hard because both cities have a high density of mature ash trees lining residential streets and filling private lots. If you own property in either municipality and have ash trees on your land, understanding this pest is no longer optional — it is a matter of property safety and financial planning. Service d'Arbres Brandse has been helping West Island homeowners manage EAB-affected trees for years.
How to Identify an Emerald Ash Borer Infestation
The most telltale sign of EAB is the D-shaped exit hole left in the bark by emerging adult beetles. These holes are roughly three to four millimetres wide and are found on the trunk and major branches. Other signs include serpentine feeding galleries under the bark created by larvae, vertical bark splitting, increased woodpecker activity, and crown dieback starting from the top of the tree and working downward. By the time you notice thinning foliage or dead upper branches, the infestation is often already advanced. Early detection is critical, which is why we recommend annual inspections for all ash trees in the area.
Treatment Options — Is TreeAzin Worth It?
TreeAzin is the primary treatment used in Canada for EAB. It is a systemic insecticide derived from neem tree seeds that is injected directly into the trunk. When applied every two years by a certified applicator, TreeAzin can protect a healthy ash tree from EAB for many years. However, treatment only works if the tree still has at least 50 percent of its canopy intact and shows no major structural damage. A tree that has already lost most of its crown or has extensive bark splitting is too far gone for treatment. Each injection cycle costs between $200 and $600 depending on the size of the tree, so it is important to weigh the long-term cost against the value of keeping the tree.
When Removal Is the Only Safe Option
Dead or severely weakened ash trees become brittle and unpredictable remarkably fast. An untreated ash can go from visibly healthy to structurally dangerous within two to three years of infestation. Dead ash branches snap without warning, and entire trunks can fail during moderate winds or ice loading. In Kirkland and Baie-D'Urfé, we have removed ash trees that appeared solid from the outside but were completely hollowed by larvae galleries. If a certified arborist determines that treatment is no longer viable, prompt removal is the safest course of action — especially if the tree is near a house, driveway, or play area.
The Hidden Hazard of Waiting Too Long
One of the most dangerous mistakes homeowners make is delaying the removal of a dead ash tree. Unlike most hardwoods, dead ash trees lose their structural integrity very quickly. Within one to two years of dying, the wood becomes so brittle that it can shatter during removal, making the job significantly more difficult and expensive. Climbers may not be able to safely ascend the tree, requiring a crane or specialized equipment. The cost of removing a dead ash that has been standing for two or more years can be double or triple the cost of removing it promptly. Insurance may not cover damage caused by a tree you knew was dead.
Get a Professional Assessment
If you have ash trees on your property in Kirkland, Baie-D'Urfé, or anywhere in the West Island, we strongly recommend having them inspected by a qualified arborist. Service d'Arbres Brandse provides thorough EAB assessments and can advise you on whether treatment or removal is the right path. We handle everything from TreeAzin injection coordination to full removal with stump grinding and permit processing. Do not wait until a dead limb falls on your car or your neighbour's fence. Call us at (438) 365-5410 to schedule an assessment before the situation becomes an emergency.