Yes, unfortunately Emerald Ash Borer has been present in Maryland for over 20 years, and they have killed many ash trees across the state (and region-wide). While they can feed on Fringetree, as these plants are relatives of ash, they do not appear to favor that species as strongly and we have not received reports of them causing significant damage to those trees. While we can't say that a Fringetree will be safe from these beetles entirely, they don't seem to be a major threat at this time, and Fringetree is still found growing wild in many areas of the state. In our opinion, it's fine to plant Fringetree, and you can monitor them for indications of stress or injury as they mature that could predispose them to beetle attack.

Miri