The only issue we can really help you with is that of planting more mature specimens. With very few exceptions to the rule, it is far wiser to go with a healthy younger ( smaller) tree than a bigger one. Though you will be missing the instant gratification, it's a fact that the younger the tree, the faster it can establish itself into the new environment.

The months (or years, depending upon the climate) of establishment are very difficult and tenuous for trees. Trees (all plants, really) will devote their carbon resources (which are finite) to the development of roots, naturally. They won't be able to produce top growth to speak of, fight off insects and pathogens, or tolerate weather extremes.

A younger tree is more than just a little likely to over take the larger trees in just a matter of a few years....while the big guy has to sit and spin his wheels.

If you wish to have to helpful suggestions about replacements, we'll need plenty of details about the site. I think of most tree blvds. as being a rather hostile environment for trees...tell us why your is different. Soil conditions, available water, location, below and above ground space, etc. are all good thing for us to know when making educated suggestions.

What rhizo said. Also the city/county is not going to give you larger trees, as everyone will want one, and the city/county is not an endless fount of money.

Second, I am unable to follow the OP and cannot tell whether the ash are planted on private property. If so, be thankful the city is replacing at all. And I'm not sure how a piece of paper on a tree would reduce property values of a home. There is no recourse there, esp since you are getting something for free which will increase your property value.

Third, I am unable to determine from the OP what was illegal about the tree planting - were they under power lines, in an easement? If so, you should be thankful the city/county is looking the other way and replacing your trees for you.

Nonetheless, EAB is definitely a problem and the replacements are going like gangbusters, and perhaps in two months during planting season the nurseries will have the unnamed species.

Dan

This is a problem I sympathize with as even after this spring I'll still own to beautiful 60ish year old white ash and a handful of their offsprings. It is my belief that if I own my property for another decade or so EAB will become my problem as well.

My biggest suggestion is to avoid planting all the same type of tree so when the next Korean Acer bug or Antarctic Birch slug comes through you only have one or two vulnerable trees.

Let the city do their thing. I'm not optimistic clear cutting is going to stop the spread or help much. It is one step better than admitting defeat.

If the replacement trees are out of stock I'd see if I could plant some of my own (with the city's permission of course). You can go the mail order route or look for big box store diamonds in the rough if money is an issue.

Oh, are we lining streets with these? Some maples are pretty cold hardy and they come in every possible shape. Northern Red Oak?

Thank you to all the great suggestions. Yes I am greatful that the city is doing this at no cost to the homeowner and am also greatful that the city wants our participation in the program. I feel bad for those who will have to foot this bill on their own. I already have a diverse tree collection on the property and plan a few more ornimental trees. The Ash were planted this way to give cohesiveness to our corner lot. So yes these are tree lined streets. If I do say so it worked quite well. I am sure that a nice mix for the future will work as well. If anyone could suggest a combo of two types of trees it would be welcomed. I love the suggestion of the Northern Red Oak. Pin Oak is also a choice and also the Kentucky Coffee tree. I like that one and am not afraid to prune to get a good canopy effect. I find the texture of said tree to be interesting. So while I'm at it, I also enjoy different bark and branching, texture, like exfoliating or smooth. Winters are long here but the beauty of a tree in winter waiting for spring makes me smile. Ya I'll miss these trees. Thanks again for the help!

Red Oak and Coffeetree are good choices  for the coffeetree you should probably opt for a seedless (male) cultivar like ÂEspresso - if you can find it. In many areas Pin oak doesnÂt perform very well as a street tree, needing more acidic growing conditions. If you do in fact have acidic soil, you could also consider Blackgum, although it is relatively slow growing.

A couple other large growing trees you might want to look at: ÂAmerican Sentry Linden, and ÂHeritage Oak (a Bur x English hybrid)  both make good street trees here in southeast Michigan. Ginkgos generally perform well in street locations, but are slow growing and donÂt always blend in well due to their distinctive form. Maples, of course, should probably be avoided since so many have already been planted.

A couple of communities here are also proactively removing ash trees before they are infested. But the reason I heard for the removal is not to stop or slow the infestation. It is to spread out the cost over a couple of years instead of having to remove a bunch of trees that become hazardous all at once.

Sorry this doesn't help much with your tree selection. Personally I like honey locusts because of the dappled shade and minimal raking. They make good tree-lawn trees but I'm not sure how cold hardy they are.

Best of luck to you,
Cindy

Also a suggested tree is the Red Northern Oak. I have some concern about the root system as the side walk is close. Love this tree for obvious reasons. Ginko was another one. I know they are slow growing but truly have many attributes as far as foliage and structure. Thank you Cindy for the suggestion of the Honey Locust. I'm a fan of this tree as well. I think that there are some cold hardy trees available. As far as the coffee tree goes, I agree and I will be looking for the male cultivar "Espresso". Availability and cost could be the deciding factor. This has been very informative as the preventative measures being taken are exactly right, the cost of removing infested trees will be greater in the long run. However with that said, it is my understanding that this is being funded with tax dollars so this should not be limited to just boulavard trees. I mean if you want to stop the spread and potential damage to property, shouldn't this be extended to all homeowners? And maybe it will be. I don't truly know. I will ask that question of the city forester as I will be in contact sometime soon. Just a thought. I am glad that the program is available.