Top of tree dead, advice please

[ChrisG]

Hi all,

We moved into to a new house this winter in Romeoville, IL (30 mi SW of Chicago). We have lots of deciduous trees in the backyard. All look to be coming along nicely except for this one. It has leaves on the bottom half, but nothing on the top. Not sure what type of tree it is, so I included a picture of the leaves for identification. A landscaping-professional friend mentioned that the whole tree would have to be removed. Is that true, or can I trim the dead branches? I am a total rookie with tree care--I would appreciate any advice that can be given. I'd most likely be doing any work on my own since having a pro come out just isn't in the budget right now.

Thanks very much,
Chris

 

[lone wolf]

Ash maybe ,you could just cut the dead out and see how it does if you want, it all depends on the cause which I cant tell from here.

 

[Topbuilder]

Where the top goes, the rest will follow. But, I am not familiar with that tree either.

 

[HuskStihl]

Unless you're really in love with that tree, I'd prolly remove it. The dead wood can be removed, but what's left isn't gonna be super pretty

 

[ChrisG]

After doing some research online--tree does indeed appear to be some sort of an Ash--maybe a Green Ash.

 

[lone wolf]

After doing some research online--tree does indeed appear to be some sort of an Ash--maybe a Green Ash.

Yes Green maybe.

 

[bluesportster02]

if it is ash it is probably eab. do you see any little holes in the bark

 

[lone wolf]

if it is ash it is probably eab. do you see any little holes in the bark

http://images.search.yahoo.com/sear...prop=image&fr=chrf-yff23&va=eastern+ash+borer

 

[ChrisG]

I don't remember seeing lots of little holes. I do remember one dime sized one at the bottom, but I'll have to check further when I get home tonight.

 

[Raintree]

Can you post a pic of the trunk area that transitions between the dead top & the live bottom. It's almost like someone didn't remove a planting guide wire.

 

[7sleeper]

Can you post a pic of the trunk area that transitions between the dead top & the live bottom. It's almost like someone didn't remove a planting guide wire.

That was also my initial thought.

7

 

[ChrisG]

Hey all,

So after speaking to the previous homeowner, he confirmed that the tree was affected by EAB. Apparently it was treated last summer and the arborist thought it would come back. He said the other trees were treated as well, though, this looks to be the only Ash tree in the yard. Anyway, is it possible for it to come back after EAB? Another local arborist saw the picture I posted and his advice was removal and replacement rather than trimming--thinking that it will eventually die anyway.

 

[juttree]

Its a little bit difficult to tell from the pictures but I think its a black ash, there's no petiolules. Atleast none that I can see in the pictures.