Ash tree-ash borer

Question: I have a 25 yr Ash..about 15 years ago as borer became evident. I have been treating annually since with Bayer advanced formula tree and shrub (for borer). It has been doing real well.except for last year ..it was a bit thinner than previous years .and hard seeds stayed with tree all year ,fall, winter and still now. They do drop and terribly messy. The previous year 2 seasons ago we had the tree professionally trimmed. I also have the tree deep root feeded twice yearly. My question is what can I expect this year, can it get back to normal ( no seeds retained all season)..or what do you recommend I do? I am going to try and send pic..you have been helpful in past questions..thank you

responder: Julie Crick  Replied April 19, 2023, 8:53 AM EDT
response: Hi Steve, While it may not happen every year, ash trees are known to retain their seeds through the winter months. An article at the link below mentions seeds living all winter long: https://extension.umn.edu/forest-pests-and-diseases/managing-ash-woodlands#increase-the-number-of-non-ash-trees-1816113 (under the heading "Increase the number of non-ash trees).   From research, it also appears that 2022 was a "mast" year for white ash. This means it was a year where most ash trees produced an unusually high number of seeds.  Article from Columbus, Ohio: https://holdenfg.org/news/ash-trees-are-exploding-with-seeds-researchers-are-capitalizing-on-it/  I would recommend continuing with the treatments you established. Does your yard have a sprinkler system? If it does be sure the sprinkler streams are not directly hitting the stem of the ash tree, as this can accelerate root fungal issues. If you do not have a sprinkler system, be sure to deep water the tree when no rain has fallen in 5 days (or in dry conditions). To properly water a tree, be sure a sprinkler is set up to thoroughly soak the area from the trunk to just beyond the edge of the canopy as this is where the fine roots occur.  Closely monitor the tree this year, and if things change for the worse, then I would seek a professional consultation.  A certified arborist is always best; arborists are certified through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). ISA maintains a website that makes it easy to find a certified arborist: https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist With hopes the tree does just fine this summer - and into the future! All the best, -Julie

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 19, 2023, 8:47 PM EDT
response: Thank you Julie ..couple questions..I have sprinkler system and it covers what you describe well..Not sure what the stem of the tree is..branches?..also I read the article on the seeds..the picture of the seed is not like what I see on branches and on ground...what I have are little balls, maybe 3/4 in.in diameter..they are hard as rocks..are the seeds inside these ball shapes?..Sent from AT&T Yahoo Mail on Android  On Wed, Apr 19, 2023 at 8:53 AM, Ask Extension<<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Julie Crick  Replied April 20, 2023, 8:41 AM EDT
response: Hi Steve, The stem is the trunk of the tree. If the sprinkler hits the bottom of the trunk each day that it runs, it can cause root issues for the tree. A thinning canopy generally indicates root issues, but not always.  After some internet research, I found ash flower gall? It's not something I had heard of, but seems to describe what you are seeing?  https://affordabletreecareslc.com/understanding-ash-flower-gall-on-ash-trees/ All the materials I found say it's harmless, and unsightly. Treatment is not recommended. That said, a simple dusting of a miticide, like Sevin, will kill the mites that cause the galls. Reaching upper branches may be difficult, and could result in a costly endeavor. Always read and follow label directions when using pesticides. https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/ash-flower-gall/ Please do let me know if this is what you are seeing as I may get more inquiries. And thank you for contacting Ask Extension about this, I learned something today! All the best, -Julie

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 20, 2023, 8:49 PM EDT
response: Yes Julie the article with the green clumps is exactly what I have. Apparently mites tough to control,tree 20 years old 40 ft tall..as far as trunk I do have gear driven sprinkler head in that area ..it does catch a portion of the trunk every few minutes ,but it has for 20 years..tree has generally been full most of its life..do you think sprinkler could be future issue with canopy?..trunk is 55inch circumstance now....??Sent from AT&T Yahoo Mail on Android  On Thu, Apr 20, 2023 at 8:41 AM, Ask Extension<<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Julie Crick  Replied April 24, 2023, 8:53 AM EDT
response: I doubt the sprinkler system is causing any damage; especially since you mentioned it catches a portion of the trunk.  The mites would be hard to control on a tree that size. Generally, these types of insect issues last a couple of years until natural predators also increase in population and begin to control the problematic insect. So, I wouldn't expect the mite issue to last more than a few years.  Thank you, -Julie