The emerald ash borer, or EAB, has infected ash trees across the country and it has essentially wiped out the ash tree population in Illinois. Steve Lobb is the arborist in Clinton, Illinois and he says if you have an ash tree, it’s almost certainly infected with EAB and could soon become a problem.

While treatment options are available, Lobb points out they are costly and the effectiveness is unproven.

Lobb says when an ash tree dies, it becomes brittle quickly and can be a dangerous tree. He implores anyone with an ash tree to start the planning process for likely bringing it down before it becomes a danger to your home and property.