bark falling off ash trees

[mrjigger]

I have some 12'-15' ash trees in my yard that I transplanted from a friends yard about 5 years ago now.

The bark/skin on the trees is actually flaking off in some spots. Other than that, the trees seems very healthy.

any thoughts?

[Steve Foss]

Some flaking should be no big deal. If it flakes off in large areas or all around the tree, then I'd get worried.

[mrjigger]

thanks stfcatfish, There are some rather big areas where the bark is flaking off. It has not gone all the way around the trunk yet however. Other than that, the trees are nice and green and lush. Any idea what might be causing the flaking?

[Steve Foss]

Look closely and see if there are small round holes in the bark near where it flakes off. Also look for those holes on the fallen-off sections. If they are there, you probably have ash borers, which can be a common problem with many varieties of ash trees, and may eventually kill the tree.

With the advent of Dutch elm disease several decades ago in the huge old plantings of American elm in the East and Midwest, most elms died, and ash were the most common solution to urban berm or boulevard city plantings by city beautification departments. In Minnesota and the Dakotas, the most common were cultivars of green ash or white ash, and both are susceptible to borers.

You can combat them, though timing is a prime issue. If you find those holes I mentioned, do a Google search for "ash" "tree" "borer" and follow the advice of whichever expert site you are directed to. They all will lead you through generally the same process, if you care enough to spend the money to keep those trees (providing, of course, it's borers). Twelve- to 15-foot ash trees aren't that old, and there are several ornamental tree varieties that are darn near bulletproof and look wonderful.