Trott column: Tree selection tip -- plant a variety of species echopress.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from echopress.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Suggested ash tree replacements if looking for diversity in your landscape.
Written By:
Sue Morris, Master Gardener | 5:11 pm, May 7, 2021 ×
Here are some trees you might want to consider if you are looking for diversity in your landscape.
Last week in this column I gave some dire predictions for ash, maples and Colorado blue spruce, which were highlighted in a talk by SDSU Extension professor John Ball.
He predicted that within the next 15 to 20 years, we will have no ash trees so it is a good idea to start planting some alternate trees.
The hackberry is a good replacement for ash. The height gets to be 40 to 60 feet with a spread of 30 to 40 feet. It has a rounded shape with yellow fall color. It is hardy to zone 3 we are zone 4 in west central Minnesota and is well-adapted to the entire region and native to most of it. It tolerates alkaline and droughty soils and he calls it the “new” ash tree.
April 30, 2021
Happy Arbor Day! Will you be planting something this weekend to celebrate? Adding trees and shrubs to your landscape can help protect soil and water resources, sequester carbon, increase wildlife habitat, and provide edible fruits and nuts. In addition to the wildlife and environmental benefits, properly selected and placed trees and shrubs provide privacy, energy savings, protection from wind or snow, and increased property value.
When selecting trees and shrubs for your landscape, always plant a variety of species to help protect against invasive insect pests or disease pathogens infesting and damaging your plantings. Minnesota residents must consider planting shade trees other than ash, since emerald ash borer (EAB) was found in the state in 2009. Visit our emerald ash borer webpage to learn more about EAB and alternative shade trees.