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Pay attention and identify ash trees on your property before it's too late!
Ash trees have either "alligator skin" or "diamond pattern" bark, typically light brown or gray in color (sometimes with white patches). They have compound leaves and opposite branching. Opposite branching is a great identification key, as it is unique in native trees and only seen in in ash, maple, dogwood, horse chestnut, and buckeye. They are very common in our area, especially in low wet areas.
'ID'-ing Ash and EAB:
Unhealthy looking foliage
D-shaped exit holes
Thinning of canopy
S-shaped galleries just under bark
The mighty ash is being decimated all across this country by the invasive emerald ash borer (an invasive Asian beetle). Without the use of pesticides (which are most effective when used preventatively before signs of infestation), EAB is a death sentence for these trees. In areas where this pest first appeared, nearly 100% of (untreated) mature ash trees are now dead. We expect to see the same here in North Carolina within the next few years. In our work, we see many neighborhoods where all the ash trees are already gone.
We are on the edge of a historical event for arboriculture, and a major shift in the balance of our country’s forests and natural areas.
Deciding what to do with an ash tree on your property is a personal and often complicated matter.
Do ongoing costs of treatment and benefits of saving the tree outweigh the one-time removal cost and unfortunate loss of the tree?
Is it a direct threat to your home if you choose to let it die in place?
Is it best to just let nature run its course and enjoy the tree for any remaining time?
What about the drawbacks of pesticide use (the effects on the tree, the environment, any beneficial insects, etc.)?
There is a lot to consider.
If you think you may have ash trees on your property, consult with a local arborist in early spring when they begin to leaf out. An arborist can help you make an educated decision and discuss your options in depth.
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