Dear Kennette,

Thank you for reaching out to the UVM Extension Master Gardener Program with your question. I am not sure what your neighbors are referring to when they say that “it would be difficult and dangerous” to take down the tree if it becomes diseased. If it is the tree’s size or location that would make it difficult and dangerous to take down I would think that those concerns would be an issue if you planned to take the tree down now. I am not sure where you are located but there is a map on the Vermont Invasives website of the areas in Vermont where the Emerald Ash Borer has been confirmed to be present. If you are in or near a known infested area but your tree is healthy you may want to consider treatment for the tree by a professional arborist. This requires repeated applications over the life of the tree. The best resource to answer your question is the Vermont Invasives website. In addition to the map there is a section for homeowners outlining what to look for to detect evidence of EAB infection, and options for management if your tree is or is not infected at present. I think that you will find the website very useful in helping you decide how to proceed.

https://www.vtinvasives.org/land/emerald-ash-borer-vermont