Why are the leaves of my ash tree dropping so early? - Ask Extension
I don't remember my ash tree dropping leaves so early, and they have not changed color. Also do they always fall in sprigs of 4 to 6 leaves?
Knowledgebase
Why are the leaves of my ash tree dropping so early? #280523
Asked September 24, 2015, 8:34 PM EDT
I don't remember my ash tree dropping leaves so early, and they have not changed color. Also do they always fall in sprigs of 4 to 6 leaves?
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Thank you for the question. Ash trees can suffer from a variety of problems. Without more information and good photos of the entire tree and close up on branches and leaves, we could only guess. Tree age, sun exposure, construction events in the tree vicinity, good descriptions of the leaves, branches, trunk all would be helpful.
Here is a link to the University of Minnesota's self diagnostic tool called "What's Wrong with my Plant"? http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/ You may be able to self diagnose the problem.
Ash tree leaves are compound, and so one leaf is made up of 5 to 9 leaflets. These are the sprigs you are seeing.
Thank you for contacting Extension.
Okay I took some photos but they are marginal. Thanks
The photos show leaves that appear to be remarkably healthy for an ash tree at this time of year. If the leaves are falling earlier than usual, we don't know why. Leaves that have been damaged by insects or disease often fall early but that doesn't seem to be the case with the leaves shown in the photos.
