Can I save my ash tree?

First, ash trees that are showing less than 40% decline may have a chance for survival with several types of chemical treatments. Without any type of treatment the infested trees will die, sometimes inside only two years within the onset of symptoms. Products for treatments are available for homeowners to purchase at hardware stores or garden centers. The best time for treatment is late April or early May and should be applied annually. Unfortunately, there are no guarantees with the success of treatments, but researchers are constantly encouraged based on results of recent studies.

The cost of removing infested trees, which can reach several thousand dollars, is ultimately landing on the homeowner’s lap. Homeowners are encouraged to contact their local unit of government to see if any removal plans are in place. If the tree is posing a hazard, it is best to be safe and remove it.

Alternatively, dead ash trees can provide valuable habitat for wildlife, Standing dead trees create nesting sites for birds and create nooks and crannies for a variety of other organisms. Dead ash trees also make good firewood. Firewood is not to be removed from the quarantined areas. The map of quarantined areas can be viewed at Michigan.gov.

A fact sheet is available by download at emeraldashborer.info. Also at this website you will find a list of alternative trees as a replacement for your ash tree. The Macomb County Michigan State University Extension Service recommends that diversity is kept in mind when selecting a new tree. The “look around rule” states that before you select a tree as a permanent replacement, look around. If you see a lot of a particular kind of tree, opt for something else.