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.

Happy Arbor Day!

Celebrate Arbor Day by getting outside to see how your trees are doing.  How did they stand up to the fierce winter?  Do you see new growth and buds on branch tips or signs of decay and deadwood?  

Below is a list of our Top Spring Warning Signs of Tree Problems:

Maple is leafing out later than
 other Maples which is a sign
of health issues. 

1. Delayed or Partial Leaf Out: When a tree leafs out later than others of the same type, has lack of new growth, dwarf leaves or only some sections of the tree leaf out, the tree may have health issues.
2. Damaged Leaves: Chewed, yellowing or discolored leaves may be signs of insect activity or disease.
3. Borers: One of the biggest concerns is Emerald Ash Borer which recently invaded our area. Emerald Ash Borer is 100% fatal to Ash trees. Professional treatment is the only way to protect Ash from this deadly pest.
4. Decay: Mushrooms and shelf fungi are symptoms of decay when growing out of the root system or trunk of a tree. Another sign of decay is a cavity. If the decay is extensive, then the tree may be hazardous.
5. Excessive deadwood: Dead branches can be a serious safety hazard to people and property. Brittle branches tend to break more easily in storms.

If you spot any of these problems, get a health inspection by your Giroud Arborist!  He will check your trees for hazards, insects and disease issues and let you know the best actions to take.

Top 5 Warning Signs of Tree Problems

Premature color change and leaf drop are warning signs of health problems.  

Are your trees already showing their fall colors?  Are the leaves starting to fall too early?  

These are two of the big warning signs that your tree has health problems.  Most deciduous trees stay in full leaf and green through September.  Learn more in our latest article on the Top 5 Fall Warning Signs and the actions you can take now to protect tree health and safety.