Ash Tree limb drop - Ask Extension
I have an ash tree planted 35 years ago (base is about 2' diameter). It's protected against emerald ash borer by injection every other year. The tree...
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Ash Tree limb drop #842994
Asked July 28, 2023, 10:07 AM EDT
I have an ash tree planted 35 years ago (base is about 2' diameter). It's protected against emerald ash borer by injection every other year. The tree was trimmed two years ago. In the last two months, three larger tree limbs ( 2.5-3" diameter) have fallen off. The last limb drop occurred during high winds. I assume the others did too. In the past, small branches would break but not limbs of this size. Over the years, I have relied on rain and lawn irrigation but have not watered the tree directly. Would watering the tree drip line help alleviate the problem given the higher temperatures this summer? Do you have recommendations or steps that I should take to protect the tree? Thanks.
Ramsey County Minnesota
Expert Response
Drought especially prolonged drought can contribute to this. Watering may or may not stop the branches from breaking off. It is worth trying. Watering deeply and slowly is the best. A slower drip is more likely to get water to the roots.
There are number of insects besides Emerald ash borer that can infect trees but they are also likely to be killed by your EAB treatments.
Some of the leaves on the dropped branches are green and look healthy and others do not look healthy. The photo resolution is too low to adequately assess the leaf and branch attachment areas which look suspicious. You may want an arborist onsite opinion on what is happening. See:
https://www.treesaregood.org/
There are number of insects besides Emerald ash borer that can infect trees but they are also likely to be killed by your EAB treatments.
Some of the leaves on the dropped branches are green and look healthy and others do not look healthy. The photo resolution is too low to adequately assess the leaf and branch attachment areas which look suspicious. You may want an arborist onsite opinion on what is happening. See:
https://www.treesaregood.org/
