Knowledgebase

Arizona Ash damaged in 2021 Winter Freeze #753090

Asked May 31, 2021, 2:52 PM EDT

Hi, My name is layne and I live in Lakeway, TX. I have attached a picture of a tree in my back yard. I am pretty sure it is an Arizona Ash tree. After our drastic freeze this past winter, the buds on the limbs really took a hit and have not leafed out. However, as you can see on the trunk and lower limbs there are a lot of sucker branches growing. There is no green foliage in the upper part of the tree. (it looks like there is but that is a branch from another tree) I am considering having the 4 or 5 large vertical limbs cut off above where the suckers are. Is this advisable or should I just have the entire tree removed? Thanks, Layne Thomas<personal data hidden>

Travis County Texas

Expert Response

Hi Layne,
It is taking a long time for some trees to recover from the freeze - and frankly, I am not sure that anyone knows exactly how long it will take. Nevertheless, sections that have not leafed out by now are most likely not going to do so.
I would not cut down the whole tree, since the roots are clearly intact and you seem to have strong growth near the bottom. However, you need to establish whether the tree section above the current growth is dead or alive. If you are able to get above the current growth, you may want to try and scratch back the bark to see if it is green underneath. You could also try cutting one of the smaller branches to see if it is dead (dry and brown) or showing signs of life (green and moist).
If the top section of the tree is dead, it should be removed or it will rot and become a danger-risk. You can always leave the lower section. It may take a couple of years to recover, but it would seem a better option than losing the whole tree.

Liz

Travis County Master Gardeners

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ReplyForwardL

Travis County Master Gardeners Replied June 02, 2021, 12:44 PM EDT
Thanks Liz. My thoughts as well. 

Sent from my iPhone

On Jun 2, 2021, at 11:44 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied June 02, 2021, 12:54 PM EDT

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