Ash Rust Puts More Stress on Ash Trees

Already plagued by serious problems like the fatal Emerald Ash Borer, Ash trees now have a new adversary: Ash Rust. "Ash Rust infects White, Green and sometimes Black Ash," explains Lou Giroud, President of Giroud Tree and Lawn and ISA Certified Arborist.   "Symptoms start as small yellow to yellow-orange spots on leaves beginning in Mid-May.  Wart like-swellings may also erupt and leaves often become distorted.   By July, heavily infected Ash Trees may have significant leaf loss."

Preventative treatment is the best control but is not recommended since the disease only occurs sporadically. Giroud Tree and Lawn recommends the following tree service actions:

1. Schedule Ash Tree Inspection Now: Have your Giroud ISA Certified Arborist evaluate overall health of the tree and determine the best actions to protect tree health.
2. Reduce Tree Stress:  In the fall, deep root fertilization, soil amendments, vitamins and nutrients can help to boost the tree’s immune system.

3. Emerald Ash Borer Treatment:  A fatal pest, treatment is the only way to protect Ash Trees from Emerald Ash Borer.  If the Ash Tree is valuable to the landscape, Emerald Ash Borer treatment is critical. 

4. Regular Monitoring: Because Ash Trees face formidable health issues, it is important to have professional inspections regularly to catch emerging issues early.