HOW TO IDENTIFY ASH TREES

Today Ask the Arborist will continue with his series on the Emerald Ash Borer. Now that we know what trees the Emerald Ash Borer attacks, we need to identify which trees are ash trees. The ash tree can easily be distinguished from other trees by their opposite branch patterns. Remember the acronym MAD-Horse which stands for maple, ash dogwood and horsechestnut trees; all of which have opposite branch patterns. Ash tree leaves are made up of compound leaves. A compound leaf is one that has many leaflets (see above photo). Most ash trees will have 5 – 9 leaflets per leaf stalk (or petiole). If you are still questioning if you have an ash tree, contact your local Licensed Arborist or send your comments to [email protected]