Courtesy of U.S. Forest Service.

 In recent years, the invasive emerald ash borer has threatened the livelihood of the species. The beetle drills in through the bark and can lay a massive amount of eggs inside, destroying trees in a matter of years. White ash is not the only victim, as all Fraxinus members can be affected. So far, the issue has mostly affected the Midwest, but the beetles reaching Vermont is certainly a possibility. A positive effect, however, is that the beetle’s voracious appetite for ash wood has sparked great concern for the future of the tree.