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Ash tree care with disease in area #758143

Asked June 24, 2021, 12:35 PM EDT

My neighbor in their front yard has an ash tree with disease noted from a tree service. I have an ash tree in my back yard which looks healthy but needs some pruning. Trees are about 70 feet apart with house and yard separating. What are options to keep my tree healthy as possible. When should I prune it and should I have a professional tree service do it? What are options when and if my ash tree gets disease?

Scott County Iowa

Expert Response

Ash trees across the state of Iowa are being impacted  by Emerald Ash Borer. I suspect this is the issue with your neighbor's tree.  This new, invasive pest will kill ash trees and often once symptoms are noticeable the tree is too far gone to adequately treat and prevent decline and death.  

Its not a matter of if your ash tree will be impacted by Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), but when.  And its highly likely the tree is already impacted by this insect but not yet showing symptoms.  Evaluation by an arborist is an important next step to maintaining a healthy ash tree.  They can determine if EAB is present in the tree, evaluate the extent of infestation, and make recommendations for treatment.  Preventative treatments are available and will be necessary to keep the tree healthy long-term.

More information about EAB, how you can treat for the pest, and what you can do if your tree is showing symptoms can be found in these resources.  

https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/emerald-ash-borer

https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/emerald-ash-borer-faq

https://store.extension.iastate.edu/Product/13114 (click the "download" button in the middle of the page to download and open the free pdf file)

There are other pests and diseases that can impact ash trees.  More information about those can be found here should the issue with your neighbor's tree not be EAB:  https://store.extension.iastate.edu/product/1482 (click the "download" button in the middle of the page to download and open the free pdf file)


The best time to prune your ash tree in Iowa is in the late winter, early spring season (mid-to late February through early April).  

Happy gardening!

Aaron Steil Replied June 24, 2021, 4:18 PM EDT

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