Knowledgebase
lilac/ash borer #241827
Asked May 05, 2015, 11:38 AM EDT
Weld County Colorado
Expert Response
Dear Anonymous,
Reading your question makes me feel that you already have an answer. I agree with your assessments of the tree. Yes it was a difficult winter, I don’t know about lilac ash borer from the photos but I’m sure you have examined the tree for exit holes on the trunk. In addition to your assessments, it looks like the tree has a large but old wound on the trunk. With the current moist, humid conditions trees under stress that are going to respond probably already show some encouraging signs. It may just be the photo but I’m not even seeing ground suckers which are usually present if the tree is dying from lilac ash borer. Given all the above, I agree, it looks like it’s a gonner! You can wait or act now I don’t think anything positive is going to happen.
Below are some links for the recommended trees for the area and general planting instructions. Given the difficulties with ash and the threat of Emerald Ash Borer I encourage you to consider a different type of tree. Especially since you seem to have several ash already. Good luck with your new family member!
Janene Willey
www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/garden/07419.html
www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/garden/07418.html