Tag Archives: ash tree facts

Identifying an Ash Tree

Ash trees are deciduous (a broadleaved tree that sheds its leaves annually) trees which thrive in both cool and warm climates.  Up to 65 species of ash trees can be found in Europe, Asia, and North America.

Size

Ash Tree Westchester Tree Life NY

It’s easy to identify an Ash Tree (Fraxinus species)!

The size of an ash tree varies, depending on its species.  The smallest species of the ash tree is the Velvet Ash, which reaches 30 feet, while the tallest is the White Ash, which can reach up to 120 feet!

 Bark Distinction

Young Ash Tree Bark Westchester Tree Life NY

The bark of a young Ash Tree

Mature Ash Tree Bark Westchester Tree Life

The bark of a mature Ash Tree.

The bark of a young ash tree is smooth, and has a greyish hue to it.  The bark takes on a furrowed, diamond-like bark pattern as it ages.

Root Systems

Ash Tree Root System

Ash trees are known for having strong root systems which reach a wide range.  It is strongly recommended that ash trees be planted a minimum of 60 feet apart to allow enough distance for each tree’s root system to thrive.

Leaf Patterns

Ash Tree Leaf

The ash tree produces compound leaves, which are 8 to 15 inches long and consist of 13 oval leaflets with toothed spaces.  The leaves of an ash tree are green during the spring, and change during the autumn.  The spectrum of autumn colors includes yellow, orange, red and purple.

5 Facts About the Emerald Ash Borer

The Emerald Ash Borer, commonly referred to as the EAB beetle is a bright metallic green beetle which is 10-13 millimeters.  The EAB beetle has caused millions of ash trees in North America to die, since it’s accidental introduction from Asia.  Here are five facts to help you understand this pest and the economic destruction it has caused.

EAB Damage Westchester Tree Life

Damage to an Ash tree from the EAB beetle.

1.  With the help of dendrochronological reconstruction (a method of scientific dating based on the analysis of tree rings), scientists have traced EAB destruction back to the early 1990’s in Michigan.

Emerald Ash Borer Westchester Tree Life

2.  An EAB beetle’s lifespan ranges from 1-2 years in North America.EAB Lifecycle Westchester Tree Life

3.  The EAB beetle kills ash trees by destroying the water and nutrient conducting tissues under the tree’s bark.  A tree will die within two years of signs of the EAB beetle.

Ash Tree EAB Westchester Tree Life

4.  The Emerald Ash Borer is spread through the moving of firewood from it’s initial location.  We also know that the EAB beetle can fly a half of a mile from the tree where they have emerged.  For more information on moving firewood, click here .

Female EAB Westchester Tree Life

A closer look at a female EAB beetle!

5.  The Emerald Ash Borer is now recognized as the most harmful pest in North America.  Having caused the destruction of over a million ash trees, this beetle has been recognized as a serious problem which can cost billions of dollars to fix.

EAB Quarantine Map