Tree Health - Ask Extension
Can you suggest someone to assess the health of two trees that we have in the backyard? One is a maple that’s at least 50 years old and the other is...
Knowledgebase
Tree Health #862807
Asked March 29, 2024, 1:13 PM EDT
Can you suggest someone to assess the health of two trees that we have in the backyard? One is a maple that’s at least 50 years old and the other is an ash. I’d prefer someone that is not also in the business of removing trees. I appreciate any help you can offer.
Boulder County Colorado
Expert Response
Good Morning,
You've reached the Boulder County Extension Office. If you live in Boulder County we can help with your question. Please provide a description of the issue and photos of both trees involved. Boulder County does have a tree team that can start the process of diagnosing the tree issues. We have some questions:
1. Is the ash tree being treated for emerald ash borer?
2. What your specific concerns regarding the trees?
3. What is your zip code?
Thank you,
Master Gardener Help Desk.
You've reached the Boulder County Extension Office. If you live in Boulder County we can help with your question. Please provide a description of the issue and photos of both trees involved. Boulder County does have a tree team that can start the process of diagnosing the tree issues. We have some questions:
1. Is the ash tree being treated for emerald ash borer?
2. What your specific concerns regarding the trees?
3. What is your zip code?
Thank you,
Master Gardener Help Desk.
Thanks for your reply. The ash tree is not being treated for the borer. That's my concern with its health.
The maple tree is at least 50 years old and maybe even older. (It is what we used to refer to as a "soft" maple... maybe?) I'm thinking it might not be in the best condition; but I have no specific issues.
We live in Longmont, zip code is 80501.
Any ideas you might have about someone who could assess the health of both those trees would be appreciated or if you could refer me to another source for information, it would be greatly appreciated.
Sarah Parsons
Hi Sarah,
Are there any specific problems either of your trees are showing that you could describe to us? You could also stop by our office with a sample. Or possibly send us a picture?
Our area has been affected by the Emerald Ash Borer. It is possible that your Ash Tree has been affected. Is it showing any signs of decline?
I'm sending you a link that discusses Emerald Ash Borer. There are several links within this link. I think it will answer many of your questions. Please take a look and email us back with any further questions.
If you do have disease or damage to your tree, we could possibly set up a Tree Team Visit. You may also want to explore some form of treatment for Emerald Ash Borer to preserve your Ash Tree. But first, explore the link I have sent.
Thank you for the email. We look forward to hearing from you, The Boulder County Master Gardeners
Are there any specific problems either of your trees are showing that you could describe to us? You could also stop by our office with a sample. Or possibly send us a picture?
Our area has been affected by the Emerald Ash Borer. It is possible that your Ash Tree has been affected. Is it showing any signs of decline?
I'm sending you a link that discusses Emerald Ash Borer. There are several links within this link. I think it will answer many of your questions. Please take a look and email us back with any further questions.
If you do have disease or damage to your tree, we could possibly set up a Tree Team Visit. You may also want to explore some form of treatment for Emerald Ash Borer to preserve your Ash Tree. But first, explore the link I have sent.
Thank you for the email. We look forward to hearing from you, The Boulder County Master Gardeners
I may be missing something, but I sure don't see a link to Emerald Ash Borer information. I don't see any signs of disease in the Ash tree, but I am most definitely not an expert.
The maple tree does look a little frazzled, but, again, I don't know what to look for; hence, my request to your office. I can send recent photos of both the ash and the maple. Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Apologies for not including the link to EAB resources; here it is:
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/emerald-ash-borer-resources/.
You should look for a thinning canopy once it leafs out and d-shaped insect exit holes on the trunk, which can indicate presence of the borer.
Thanks for the photos; we cannot consider whether the trees have problems until they are leafed out. If you have further questions at that point, please get back to us, particularly if you'd like to schedule a master gardener tree team visit.
Boulder County Master Gardeners
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/emerald-ash-borer-resources/.
You should look for a thinning canopy once it leafs out and d-shaped insect exit holes on the trunk, which can indicate presence of the borer.
Thanks for the photos; we cannot consider whether the trees have problems until they are leafed out. If you have further questions at that point, please get back to us, particularly if you'd like to schedule a master gardener tree team visit.
Boulder County Master Gardeners
Thank you for your reply. I'll be back in touch after the trees have leafed out. (I'm thinking that they are both doing fairly well, because they are both still standing after that wild and ferocious wind a couple days ago!)
Sarah Parsons
