Kiss Your Ash Goodbye

If you see blonding on your ash tree you should make plans to have the tree removed

As the name suggests, Emerald Ash Borer is a boring insect. The eggs are deposited into the trunk of an ash tree. When the larvae hatches, it drills its way into the cambium of the tree and tunnels serpentine trails of destruction through the living portion of the tree. Eventually, this damage cuts off the flow of water and nutrients from the roots to the leaves. The tree will rapidly weaken and then suddenly die.

The EAB’s serpentine trails of destruction.

What to Look For
The larvae stage of the tree is a very attractive meal for woodpeckers. They will pick away at the bark of the tree, turning it from a silver grey to bright tan color. This “blonding” effect is a sure sign your tree is being destroyed from inside by EAB. If you see blonding on your ash tree you should make plans to have the tree removed. Once dead the tree will rapidly degrade and become a hazard. Trees should be take down responsibly before they become a serious hazard, particularly if they have the potential to land on buildings, cars, play areas and public roadways.

I expect in the next ten years most, if not all, ash trees will be gone from our local landscape. It is sad to lose this tree that is well known for its value as firewood and baseball bats.

There is a quarantine on firewood in Connecticut because of this insect.  You cannot move firewood outside of Fairfield County in an effort to stop the spread of Emerald Ash Borer.  Unfortunately, for the ash tree it is probably too little too late.

Please inspect your property for ash tree, especially ones that show signs of blonding.  If you have ash trees on your property that could fall on your house, car or into the roadway you should plan to have them cut down before they become a serious hazard.

I leave you with The Firewood Poem by Lady Celia Congreve which has become a lament for this lost species of tree. (Published in the Times, March 2, 1930)

The Firewood Poem

Beechwood fires are bright and clear
If the logs are kept a year.
Chestnut’s only good they say,
If for logs ‘tis laid away.
Make a fire of Elder tree,
Death within your house will be;
But Ash new or Ash old,
Is fit for a queen with crown of gold.

Birch and fir logs burn too fast
Blaze up bright and do not last,
It is by the Irish said
Hawthorn bakes the sweetest bread.
Elm wood burns like churchyard mould,
E’en the very flames are cold.
But Ash green or Ash brown
Is fit for queen with golden crown.

Poplar gives a bitter smoke,
Fills your eyes and makes you choke,
Apple wood will scent your room
Pear wood smells like flowers in bloom.
Oaken logs, if dry and old
Keep away the winter’s cold
But Ash wet or Ash dry
A king shall warm his slippers by.

(end)