The wave of EAB invasion builds in intensity after it begins damaging trees. At the cusp of the invasion wave damage is difficult to notice. Indeed most urban forests cities are lucky to find EAB by year 4 when 8% of the ash trees have lost more than 30% of their canopy. This leaves only 4 years until all ash trees are damaged beyond the point where they can be protected.

During the Cusp and Crest Phase of the invasion management needs to be very aggressive because EAB populations are high.

During the Post Crest phase, when EAB populations are low, management should rely less on aggressive treatment of all the ash trees with the insecticides and more on inspection and treatment of trees with active EAB infestations.