Five Replacements for Ash Trees affected by Emerald Ash Borer

Looking for Ash Tree Replacements?

If your landscape has been affected by the emerald ash borer, you might be facing the daunting task of replacing trees that have succumbed to this destructive pest. The emerald ash borer, an invasive species, has devastated countless ash trees across the country, leading to significant ecological and aesthetic losses. Signs of emerald ash borer damage include thinning canopies, D-shaped exit holes in the bark,winding tunnels under the bark, and increased woodpecker activity as they hunt for larvae. Many homeowners and landowners are now seeking suitable replacements to restore the beauty, shade, and environmental benefits that these trees once provided.

🌿 Hackberry

A hardy, adaptable tree, Hackberry that survives in tough environments, provides excellent shade and can survive heat, drought, wind, ice and is suitable for Minnesota’s climate.

Common Hackberry has rich green deciduous foliage on a tree with a round habit of growth. The pointy leaves turn buttery yellow in fall. The warty gray bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Height: 50 ft.
Spread: 45 ft.
Full Sun

Celtis occidentalis | Common hackberry tree or nettletree branchlets with asymmetrical, pale yellow green textured leaves and small dark purple berries and green unripe fruits

🌿 Swamp White Oak

Known for its strong structure and vibrant fall colors, this oak is perfect for heavy and wet soil conditions and is predicted to do well in Minnesota’s future climate.

Swamp White Oak has dark green deciduous foliage which emerges grayish green in spring on a tree with a round habit of growth. The glossy lobed leaves turn coppery-bronze in fall. Acorns can be considered messy in the landscape and may require occasional clean-up depending on your tolerance.

Height: 60 ft.
Spread: 60 ft.
Full Sun

Swamp_White_Oak_(Quercus_bicolor)_bark_detail (1)

🌿 River Birch

River Birch features subtle chartreuse catkins in early spring. It has dark green deciduous foliage. The pointy leaves turn an outstanding yellow in the fall. The peeling brown bark is extremely showy and adds significant winter interest.

River Birch will grow to be about 60 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 45 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 3 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 70 years or more.

This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It is quite adaptable, prefering to grow in average to wet conditions, and will even tolerate some standing water. It is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for acidic soils, and is subject to chlorosis (yellowing) of the foliage in alkaline soils. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments.

Height: 60ft
Spread: 45ft
Full Sun to Partial Shade

🌿 American Elm

This classic tree offers a tall, arching canopy and resistance to diseases, making it a robust choice for urban and rural landscapes. Plus you’ll help bring back a spectacular tree to Minnesota’s landscape.

Princeton Elm is primarily valued in the landscape for its ornamental globe-shaped form. It has dark green deciduous foliage. The large serrated pointy leaves turn an outstanding gold in the fall.

Height: 70ft
Spread:50ft
Full Sun

Princeton and St. Croix Elm have specifically shown resistance to Dutch Elm Disease and are good choices if that is a concern for you.

🌿 Aspen

A delicate native of the North American forest, with showy white bark and leaves that flutter in the faintest breeze. Rich green deciduous foliage on a tree with an oval habit of growth. The round leaves turn an outstanding gold in the fall.

Quaking Aspen doesn’t tolerate polluted conditions well and suckers vigorously, so they are best suited in a natural forest setting or a suburban woodland composition and not used as urban specimen trees.

Height: 50ft
Spread: 30ft
Full Sun

Aspen forest trees in summer on Kebler Pass in Colorado in National Forest park mountains with lush green color

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