You wouldn’t know it by looking at this picture, but this American ash tree (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), is almost 5’ in diameter, and one of the largest we’ve seen on a residential property in our 27 years. According to the owner Zach, the house dates back to the early to mid-1800s.
Unfortunately, the close proximity of this tree to the house, (its roots are pushing against the foundation and most of the limbs stretch precariously over the roof), along with the threat of the Emerald Ash Borer (now responsible for the destruction of tens of millions of ash trees in 30 states) means this old timer will, unfortunately, need to be removed. Part of the master plan we’re putting together will be to replace the old patio with something more efficient and better aligned with the recent renovations to the house.
The Emerald Ash Borer (above) is responsible for the destruction of tens of millions of trees in North America and follows a long list of destructive pests and pathogens that have ravaged our native forests, suburban and urban parks, and street trees. The first truly noticeable devastation began with the chestnut blight, which killed large and small trees, and altered our hardwood forests forever. A few decades later, Dutch Elm disease came through, killing majestic American elms along city streets and in forests. Today, more than 450 species of nonnative forests insects and at least 17 significant forest pathogens are established in the U.S. Most go unnoticed, but about 15 percent have had major consequences.
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