It sucks. The ashes around here are dying off as well. Lots of bare trees sticking out...almost all are ash.

Nothing you can do except expensive injection treatments. You can look into that, but if you don't have alot of extra money.....

The Hagerstown (MD) City Park is injecting their very large ashes to keep them alive, but it's an ongoing & expensive procedure that you have to continue.

Pick one or two and try the treatments. I have been homee treating mine with an insecticide soil drench. The insecticide is now on the naughty list and I'm out so next year I will try something else.

It is absolutely creepy mixing chemicals which just might cause brain damage if you somehow get them on you so maybe hiring the pro's is the way to go.

By the time these symptoms show up, the trees are a gonner. I was hoping there would be suggestions for replacement trees that could offer something of the value of the ash trees...

plant honey locust?

Could we get more info on soil? More specifically its drainage and ph.

There are some very fast growing quality trees out there. Some are shocked to hear that some Oaks grow 6' in a given season when young.

Treating for EAB is silly in my mind due to the expense. Go with diversity and you will have some decent shade in as little as 10 years depending on your soil and the plant.

Just last week we bought TreeAge G4 (and the equipment needed)..a product that homeowners can buy and inject..have had 3 treatments injected professionally (in 2012, 14, 16 due in 18)..doing it yourself is cost effective..we treat 16 of 22..have removed 6..4 of them were small..not good trees..some dead..some had been topped not by us..this situation is sad..a fall pic but you can see the size and scope of our problem..as of last week we've spent about $8,000 for treatments..it does seem to be working..

The only thing stupider than treating every Ash tree, is failing to protect even one. nicholsworth55, your family is achieving one of the greatest local conservation efforts in human history! After patriotically researching present day value of preservation options, such as "What role does Ash Genus play ecologically, and what Ash is to human history?". "Is Ash worth replacing or saving?" Related to super long lived Olive tree family, Green Ash only reaches full maturity after age 180-220. And has proven 300 year lifespan. And American White Ash witnessed in past to survive 600 years, was utilized by first nation peoples as long lived Trail marker trees. Along with Burr and White Oak. Even outliving Oak...Ash, along with Willow can continue regenerating itself from original existing root system. Like after decapitated from Ice flows or storm. Coppiced Ash has been documented living over 2500 years!

OK nicholsworth55, were you aware?...after 12 years of local EAB event. Full dose applications no longer needed? And after that, EAB can't reach "Infestation" population levels ever again, without endless supply of untreated trees borers had early on after arrival. And that EAB kills off saplings before reaching seeding age? So your trees species now facing functional extinction event, only rising in value over next decades. ESPECIALLY if your protected trees, are wild examples containing ancient locally evolved DNA, which by future generation of seeding can bring local population of Ash back from "Extant". Treated trees also protect some 44 endangered species facing co-extinction without mature Ash. Except thankfully for also killing off native phloem borers that once plagued Ash which also feed on insecticide. So your trees got that going for them!

As an Arborist trunk injecting since 2009, here are some tips you might not be aware of...Drill slowly to prevent cauterizing wood with hot bit. Do not drill too deep, target is xylems last three years. Growth rings are thinner on already damaged trees. More injection sites, the better uptake into all parts of tree. Make sure to stager sites each year, to prevent girdling of main stem. After wounds same height up trunk drilled too close together. Watch to see how treated tree looses leaves in fall. Ash whole crown should change color and drop within two weeks. Just like Ginkgo. Loosing leaves on one side or one limb early, may reveal problem with applying product. Since Tree-age so god-sent successful, only way to fail is improper treatment. Like applying Imidacolprid in every month but APRIL. Since you are in a wooded setting, pressure from EAB way higher than urban setting. Even after most wild Ash have died off. Unlike City where our public trees can be retreated every Three years, since Tree-age actually lowers EAB populations within treated neighborhoods.

I have invented $2.00 injection equipment built from free liquid dose hypo available at any local pharmacy, and #2 Blue female to female crimped wire connector, after metal center tapped out and plastic tube shortened. Ironically end of syringe marries perfectly with remaining end of wire connector. Which plugged up after injection, stays in tree until squeezed out. Products to control EAB, are only expensive because professional Arborist charge double or more! With G4, treating a large 140 old tree at Medium high rate, only costs owner under $120 bucks. To learn more about what we learned here in Chicago since 2006, and in other parts of USA. Check out my historical EAB info blog at https://scottieashseed.wordpress.com/

I glanced at the blog and my husband and I WILL read it when we're not so tired (getting late)..we have oaks, maples, hickory, beech, box elder (ugh thankfully not many) poplar, linden, buckeye, wild cherry, elm and hornbeam that I'm aware of..planted 4 kousa dogwoods, 13 (lost count) Japanese maples and an Autumn Blaze maple..we made the best decision that we could for the ash..I'm glad that we can afford it but we try NOT to think about it too much..it's depressing to spend so much on trees when you think of them as self sufficient..we didn't want to ignore the issue and have large dead trees..some neighbors that didn't treat are now removing trees..we've spent less to treat (so far) than the cost to remove..the best estimate from the Dept of Natural Resources here is 5-6 more years before the area is free of EAB so we could need a few more treatments..so we invested in the supplies to do it ourselves..next time around will be economical..just the chemical and plugs..when you drive around where we live (close to a park, a reservoir, golf course, lots of wooded neighborhoods) there are dead and declining ash trees everywhere..

The Hagerstown City Park injects their huge ashes -- many are 100 ft tall. I'd say it's worth it as they are so big and make up half or more of the trees in some popular spots.

beng12(z6 west Md), please pass my EAB info blog link on to Hagerstown City Park staff, just incase they do not know that those 100-145 old Ash trees they are protecting. Since related to super long lived Olive tree, Hagerstown trees are only teenagers. Not reaching maturity until after 180-220. And how European settlers like Germans that planted trees, respected Ash even more than Oak or Elm. Since I do not live near your town, it would be much easier for someone like you to give them link to so much historical and scientific info about ash trees. Because of your service, these caretakers will become even more proud about decision to protect 100ft high ash. THANKS! https://scottieashseed.wordpress.com/

I hope you guys are talking about saving old White Ash vs Green Ash.

The latter is not as desirable in my opinion and its useful life is dramatically shorter than that of White Ash.

I have white, green and even black ash..

nicholsworth55, Black Ash has shortest lifespan of around 90-120 years. And is distantly related to Black budded UK Excelsior Ash. Oldest Green Ash I counted age rings on, was a 220 year old wild grown example in local woods. And an Urban 156 old Green Ash, with both having not one bit of heart rot. After observing felling of over 8000 Urban Green Ash trees between ages of 15 and 145. In the end a remarkable 85% of them had absolutely no heart rot! Worst ones that were really rotted out, suffered from past wounding that allowed wood decomposing fungi to enter. Worst of worst were Public park Green Ash where generations of picnickers dumped hot coals at their bases for 145 years.

whaas_5a...Scientifically since Green ash wood contains least amount of moisture, compared to other hardwoods. Once internal wood is compromised from old storm damage or poor pruning event, its heartwood can easily yellow dry punk rot out. Also compared to other species like Oak which has a good 25 years of functional sap wood, on Green Ash only last three to five years of newest growth rings are still functional. Best of natives for producing great heartwood, are Honey and Black Locust. White Ash heartwood is in a superior class of its own, like Black walnut and Burr Oak. That's why its so sad when seeing a 100+ old American White Ash cut down after sacrificed to EAB. Since one can see production of such solid heartwood having distinct color, knowing at time of death tree had been preparing to survive several centuries more. Blue Ash also has 300 year lifespan, and is species pioneers used bark from to dye jeans Blue. According to newest DNA results...Blue Ash is oldest species of ancient North American Fraxinus genus. And may be reason why it survives longest against EAB.

we have more green than white or black..the prettiest ash in my yard is a white..the largest is a green..the DBH of the largest is about 28"..how old do you think it could be?

I live down near the gulf coast, and our native green ash down here has a different growth pattern compared to ones farther north. I have a couple that originated in Tennessee, and they are shorter and more branchy, more like a maple.

The natives I collected from along the Tensaw river seem to focus more on rapid height growth, with a more dominant central leader. Those grew so fast when younger that I had to stake them to keep the tops from flopping over. In their native habitat they coexist with bald cypress and swamp tupelo, so maybe they adapted to the competition better.

our lot is crowded..the white ash that is so pretty is not quite as close to adjacent trees and has a nice shape..most of the green ash are very tall with high canopies..the idiot previous owners hired equally dumb tree trimmers..they didn't ruin everything but we've removed some trees that they "pruned"..fortunately we have enough trees that you didn't notice much difference..

Generally Green Ash is considered a weed tree around here and develops poor form. It certainly has its merit as a native.

White Ash generally develops a central leader and the fall color is quite spectacular. One of the few species that has a consistent iridescent quality to the color.

This particular one is a heartbreaker due to its form, fall color and adaptability.

In some shade my white ash have central leaders. Plant them in the middle of the yard and they are wide impressive groups of branches lol.

Oak can be considered a weed species, if unwanted trees grow in your garden. And yes prolific seeding Ash can be definition of weed species. But know Ash does this, because its a "Pioneering" species. And also an ecosystems most influential Keystone species keeping, other invasive species in check. While securing ground so pre-settlement species like Oak can come back someday! Ash Pre 1950 before popular cultivars like Marshal seedless were sold by nurseries, Green Ash was even more iconic than Sycamore for its production of one strong apical dominant leader. These "Plant and grow above your roof" Green Ash can still be found today with ages of 60 and older. In fact, its a good way of estimating a trees age, and can determine if ones ash is younger or older than 60. So presently all the Green ash with one Roman column sized trunks, are those pre 1950 grown examples. A few owners who lost their old wild ash trees to EAB, but are keeping a seedling or two growing. Are shocked how their young trees require no structural pruning because they continue to be so apical dominant.

One big difference between Green and White Ash, is how growth on end of limbs on Green Ash, curve upward. And growth habit of White Ash results in all limbs and branches pointing straight upward. White Ash, Sugar Maple, and American Elm, are powerhouse species that can handle growth of multiple limbs extending outward from one lower spot on trunk. Compared to say Callery pear trees, which fall apart with this growth habit. Those three hardwoods with this common trait, can continue to have conglomerate of multiple leaders stay well attached without self destructing. Horticulturally this is because they can handle included bark attachments, actually strengthening overtime by developing into one whole common mass of wood. As a Dendrologist observing thousands of felled trees, one cannot tell from outside that many times one single trunk had been made up from two or more trunks on Green Ash. And when compared to other species that produce twin trunks beginning low to ground, such as Silver Maple.

Green Ash can easily become multitrunked tree, producing strongest attachments without fatal problem of included bark. For example, look at a Silver maple diverging into two large trunks, from a sideways view. And you will see pinching bulge extending outward. Yet on Ash with same structure, there is no pinch bulge. Because where two trunks converge, is all same wood without included bark in middle. Know that even Oaks can develop multiple leaders, when grown out in open. And when one finds an older multileader tree growing in middle of forest with all younger single leader trees surrounding it. These examples are called "Wolf" trees, which began growing after settlers cleared local forest during 1800's. Then new forest was later allowed to reclaim old riparian farmland, usually around 1900's. Its great that you all notice different unique growth habits between Green and White Ash. Even cooler is fact that there can be huge differences between wild species evolving from unique local conditions. So traits I point out, may not be true for Ash growing in your local area.

One great example, is the wild variety of Biltmore White Ash from Ashville North Carolina which FL Olmsted had discovered. Which has pubescent fuzz on back of leaves, like Red Ash. At same time Scientists consider Red ash, just a variety of Green Ash. Another example is Junginger Autumn Purple White Ash variety a scientist found in Wisconsin local woods. And all those urban ones you see today, are clones that cannot seed. And before clearing of American forest which extended unbroken from East coast to Mississippi river. Tree hunters regularly discovered unique one of a kind examples they would officially characterize and list traits of. Then propagate new trees from cuttings for planting elsewhere.

hey Scottie.. green ash.. etc.. where are you ...

in my MI.. they were attacked by EAB ..

plz go to your member's page.. and add your location to your name info.. like the rest of us ....

otherwise.. thx for you info .... seriously ..

ken

nicholsworth55, many of the historic Ash around Chicago that I have been trunk injecting against EAB. Are like your big tree, with trunk size from 9-14 feet around. Your 38 DBH, or 114 inch sized example. Could be from 110-145 years old. Depending on where it grows, like if forest or open setting. Or if single or multi stem trunk. Like if one has a multi stem tree which has individual trunks diverging 15 feet or lower. One must measure each trunk, and divide between them for correct size to estimate possible age. Double leader trees look older because main trunk huge. But single leader tree of same age may look younger because of smaller trunk girth.

Many times when one finds old farm house with say three sycamores next to each other. All having one single trunk. One may be huge and look the oldest, and one in middle may look like it was planted much latter since way smaller. Yet smallest one same age as rest because planted deeper and became stunted. Chances are, if all your trees are wild grown. They may not have these big differences compared to urban planted examples. And since White grows much slower than Green, a 25" DBH White Ash could be 35 years old, and Green with same trunk size, 83 years old. A 60 year old American Elm which is much faster growing than Green Ash, can have same trunk size of 100 year old Ash. And a 140 year old Green Ash, having same trunk size as 100 year old Elm. With same age Sugar Maple way smaller than Elm, and half the size of Green Ash with same age.

We all know what slow growth species are, like White, Burr Oak, or Black locust. And older folk even say, that old oak tree is same size it was when I was a kid. But new tree owners are so surprised when Oak or Locust they plant, gets so big so quick! What happens is these species are first fast growers achieving great size, then drastically slow down after certain point. Sounds like your trees past owners hired tree care workers who just remove everything they could reach! Thankfully from my experience, one trunk trees like yours suffer much less from "Crown lifting". Than Multi leader trees. These Arborist which do a lot of hard work removing so much from a tree, do not realize that smaller lateral limbs and smaller slow growing branches are needed for trees secondary growth. To shade trunk from sun, and for tree to produce good girth and taper.

Now that neighboring tree owners are cutting down their Ash sacrificed to EAB. It might be good idea to observe how old same sized trees as yours are after felled, and before de-stumped. I can tell you here in our region, owners are shocked and saddened when finding their felled ash tree trunks packed with growth rings. Stating, "I would have tried saving my trees, if I only knew how old they were". Especially after discovering absolutely no rot in any portions of tree, which was in structurally good enough condition to live 50 or more years. If your willing, I would find it interesting to see a few more photos of your properties best individual trees belonging to each species. PS: If your down south in Indianapolis, your region may belong to ancient old growth forest that did not get flattered back 20,000 years ago when glaciers came through. I know forest in Southern Tip of Illinois, is an example of what all of Northern Illinois once looked like before Glacial period.