Winnipeg is a regulated restricted area for emerald ash borer (EAB).
Because EAB can travel long distances, you cannot move any part of an ash tree out of the city. This includes:
- Logs
- Branches
- Wood chips
- Ash nursery stock / trees
- Firewood
Latest update
We are currently removing ash trees in the Glenwood neighbourhood. This is in response to a new population of EAB found in the area.
About emerald ash borer
Approximately 30 percent of Winnipeg’s boulevard and park trees are ash.
Emerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive beetle that feeds on and kills ash trees. Once the beetle is in a city, the entire ash population is at risk.
When EAB beetles lay eggs on ash tree bark, the larvae feed on the tissue underneath the back. This cuts off the flow of nutrients and water and eventually kills the tree.
Signs of EAB activity include:
- Visible adult beetles – they are metallic green, narrow, and hairless. They are approximately 1.25 cm (1/2 inch) long and .3 cm (1/8 inch) wide
- D-shaped exit holes in the bark
- Excessive woodpecker activity
- Irregular notches in leaves – these suggest adult beetles feeding on the leaves
- Visible larvae underneath the bark – mature larvae are approximately 2.4 cm (1 inch) long and creamy white
- Bark splitting
Trees infested with EAB may not show symptoms for two to four years after activity begins.
Symptoms of a late-stage infestation include:
- General decline
- Dieback in the tree crown
- Suckering of shoots on the trunk of the tree
Controlling emerald ash borer
We first detected EAB in Winnipeg in 2017. We acted quickly and implemented a “slow ash mortality” (SLAM) program to limit its spread.
The program involves:
- Injecting pesticide into healthy ash trees and those with minor infestations – we mark these trees with a grey dot
- Cutting down trees that cannot be saved – we mark these trees with a purple dot
The SLAM approach helps preserve healthy ash trees for as long as possible and spreads mortality over time. This helps us keep replacements on-pace with removals. We are not planting ash trees at this time.
We had to remove just 22 infected trees between 2017 and 2025.
Unfortunately, we discovered a new group of EAB-infected trees in early 2026. We are now removing these infected trees and reviewing our approach to manage EAB.
Emerald ash borer and private property
We don’t treat or remove ash trees that are on private property – property owners are responsible for these.
But all Winnipeggers can play a part in slowing the spread of EAB.
Slow the spread
- Plant a variety of tree species to increase diversity
- Learn how to identify an ash tree
- Learn how to identify the signs and symptoms of EAB
- Hire a qualified, licensed and insured professional arborist to remove ash trees if required
- Chip removed ash trees on site
- Take the chips directly to Brady Road Resource Management Facility (without leaving the Regulated Area) for disposal
- Burn ash material on site (outdoor burning requires a burn permit)
- Don't move firewood
- Burn firewood where you buy it
Be aware
- Monitor your ash trees
- If you see any signs or symptoms of EAB activity or damage, contact a professional arborist – they can help you develop a treatment or management plan
Help us keep track of where EAB is
If you think you have found an emerald ash borer you should:
- Record the location of the tree,
- Record the signs and symptoms you observed
- Collect an adult beetle if possible and keep it in a container in a freezer to preserve it
- Contact 311 or call the Emerald Ash Borer hotline at 1-866-463-6017