Green Ash, Fraxinus americanaIt may seem unusual to feature a tree that is facing extinction as our tree of the month. Fraxinus americana, Green Ash is our naturalized Ash and can be identified by its beautiful early yellow fall color. Fraxinus pennsylvanica or White Ash is difficult to tell from the Green except when the ‘Autumn Purple’ exhibits itself in soft shades of lavender to kick off the fall season.
Because of its shock resistant wood, Native Americans used this tree for making tools and the American Baseball League uses Ash wood to make its bats. It is also excellent wood for making furniture and terrific firewood.
We, the team at Arborsmith hate to drive through our North Shore neighborhoods and see the symptoms of infection that will lead to Ash death. We hate it because we love all trees. Also Ash is one of the toughest trees, and adds its grace to scorching hot parking lots and dry, polluted street-scapes.
This tree’s strengths have become its downfall. Like the American Elm, the American Ash was so versatile, it was over planted. Nature always balances herself out. When one species dominates, she balances that species with a predator. In fact people are really to blame for the devastation of Emerald Ash Borer. Whenever we put all of our eggs in one basket we are looking for trouble.
So take the warning from the Ash Trees. DO NOT REPLANT WITH JUST ONE OR TWO ‘TOUGH‘ SPECIES OF TREE. Instead give our trees more soil room to grow in parking lots and parkways and plant a wide variety of species.
See the list of alternatives we have here and/or see Trees That Merit Attention by Chicago’s own Janet Poor. We will be adding to this list periodically to keep new ideas on trees that are good options for the Chicago landscape with photos and brief growing requirements.
Emerald Ash Borer Clarification
Backyard Wisdom by Gilbert A Smith
ISA Certified Master Arborist