The Master Gardener Articles

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The Emerald Ash Borer

You may have heard of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) threat which has resulted in removal of over 200,000 ash trees in Ohio and millions of trees in Michigan. Eradication of the emerald ash borer is dependent upon tree removal to reduce it’s breeding ground. If this doesn’t work we may be in for complete loss of many or all of our ash. The scenario is similar to the Dutch Elm Disease which killed millions of elms in the mid 1900’s.

In order to address this problem a new publication is available from the Union County Extension Office titled “Ash Replacements for Urban & Woodland Plantings.” Over 35 species are recommended listing different tree characteristics (site requirement, ornamental features, wildlife value, flood tolerance and commercial availability).  This guide also includes full color photos of tree flowers, leaf, nuts and fall foliage.  This publication (bulletin 924) was prepared by T. Davis Sydnor, Kathy Smith and Randall Heiligmann of the School of Natural Resources at Ohio State University.  The cost is $7.00 and may be purchased at the Union County Extension Office.

Contact George McVey, Program Assistant, Horticulture, Master Gardener Coordinator at gmcvey@ag.osu.edu or the Union County Extension Office at 937.644.8117 or toll free at (800) 589.8584.