As always, favor the survival of individuals whose smooth stems indicate that they are resistant. Previous episodes of ash dieback have been linked to dry years. In widely scattered spots in southern Vermont, ash was defoliated in summer of 1997 by an unknown stressor. Affected trees are expected to recover, and should not be salvaged. We are interested in learning of additional areas where ash browning is observed.
Several projects are underway to develop butternut resistant to butternut canker.
We have been assisting with these projects in locating trees with no disease, or only very light damage. If you know of such trees, please contact us. Many balsam poplars, particularly in riparian areas, received another defoliation by a leaf blight fungus. However, we have not observed any dieback associated with this damage. Other than reports of breakage of Hypoxylon-infected trees, poplar and aspen condition is generally good.