These ash trees died due to the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), an invasive wood-boring beetle. EAB was first discovered in Iowa in 2010 and has since been spread to nearly every county due to people transporting firewood. EAB has attacked and killed ash trees all around Iowa in neighborhoods, parks, and forests. Hundreds of trees in Winneshiek County have been affected by EAB since it was first identified here in 2012. If you have an ash tree at home, it has likely been affected by this wood-boring invasive species.

One of the first signs of distress in ash trees are the sprouts of young branches that grow out of the tree trunk as the canopy branches die, often called “watersprouts.” The tree will continue to die and its bark will flake away to a light tan color as it begins deteriorating (see picture below). Inside the tree, EAB larvae are boring out s-shaped galleries (tunnels) and cutting off the flow of nutrients from the tree’s roots to the canopy. Adult EAB leave the tree through small “D”-shaped exit holes in the bark. EAB can affect ash trees of all sizes and in all areas.

It can be a disappointment when a beloved shade-providing ash tree dies in your yard, but once the tree is dead the best thing you can do is have it professionally removed to prevent further damage. Ash trees attacked by EAB will decline and die within a few years and can become hazards in populated areas as the tree structure is weak and brittle. Dead ash trees should be removed as soon as possible where there is risk of damage to surrounding structures. Standing dead trees is forests or areas where human traffic is minimal are less of a concern and can even provide habitat for woodland animals like woodpeckers and owls. Now is a great time to look around your property and make plans to remove any hazardous dead ash trees near buildings before they cause bigger problems.

When ash trees are removed, they leave quite an empty space to fill. Replace downed trees with a diversity of native alternatives. Try to identify the tree species that grow in your area and pick replacement species that are underrepresented, or opt for planting native prairie instead. Each area poses a unique opportunity to add new life to a changing habitat.

With the help of several grants, Winneshiek County Conservation has added a diverse offering of trees to Lake Meyer Park & Campground and other county parks. Biodiversity helps to strengthen our ecosystems and adds richness to the experience of being out in nature. Next time you stop by a county park, keep an eye out for the positive changes we are making to diversify plant populations and improve the ecosystems within our county.

You can help to spread awareness of EAB and the dangers that dead ash trees can pose by sharing this information with others!