ASH AND ELM TREES were hit particularly hard by Winter Storm Uri. Some have started sprouting epicormic buds closer to their trunk (which is a last ditch effort to survive), while others are seeing no new leaves, but with sprouts emerging from the ground. However, our message for those wondering whether they should cut down their non-oak species is the same – WAIT.
Many of the Ash and Elm trees that are still bare by July are likely dead from the ground up. HOWEVER, we will see regeneration from the roots of many trees (of all species) that experienced a fatal “above-ground” freeze. This is a great way to get a tree back into your landscape as these new shoots will actually have a well-established root network.
Our tip for the summer is to allow the shoots to grow untouched this season, then late into the fall – when the trees have lost ALL of their leaves – select the strongest shoot growing up from the ground and prune the rest back. Next spring, you may have to prune away a couple of new sprouts to focus growth on the selected shoot, but in a few years you should have a happy and healthy tree, once again!
You can remove the dead tree once you are sure it’s not coming back, just be careful of the new growth and don’t grind the stump. If your Ash tree is in an area known to have Emerald Ash Borer, it likely won't survive without specialized insecticidal treatment. It may be worth considering removal and replacement.
For more information about trees leafing out late, and what you should do, read our full article at: https://bit.ly/3xOqMR5