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THURSDAY JULY 14, 2022
SOUTHBOSTONONLINE.COM
Ash Trees in South Boston by Rick Winterson
T
he idea for this article started with a call from Katie Dubow, the President of the Garden Media Group. She referred us to the Needham branch of Hartney Greymont, a local division of Davey Tree Experts. As a result of her call, Zachary Bolles, an arborist for Hartney Greymont and a graduate of UMass Amherst, granted us an interview – all about ash trees. Were you aware that South Boston is home to a large number of ash trees? There are several on K Street at Second, two tall ones on West Broadway at A, and many along other local streets. You can spot them by the shape of their leaves, which have five (5), seven (7), or nine (9) large, pointed leaflets arranged opposite to each other with one at the tip. Arborists call these “pinnately compound leaves”. They maintain an intense, shiny green up until fall weather arrives. Ash trees that are injured or ailing quickly put out fast-growing slender branches known as “suckers”. Another identifying mark is the ash tree’s bark, which is thick, grayish, and marked with deep, sinuous, vertical ridges. North America has millions upon millions of ash trees, even in these modern times. Why is the ash popular in urban neighborhoods like South Boston? Because the dense leaves on an ash provide deep shade, even from a single tree. Just as important, the ash
“Suckers” (fast-growth branches) on an ash tree on K.
tree grows well in compacted earth like the soils found under sidewalks, in popular parks, and next to curbs along heavily-traveled streets. And mature ash trees need little or no fertilizing from season to season, even though they can grow to 50 feet or more. Also, we think that dark green ash trees are a nice contrast to honey locusts and their lighter green leaves. But an ash tree isn’t just decorative. Ash is a strong hardwood, ideal for structural beams, handles on heavy-duty tools, and baseball bats like the original Louisville Sluggers! Ash wood is extremely useful. Nowadays, ash trees in America have one key enemy – an enemy called the “emerald ash borer”. Arborists typically abbreviate this name to “EAB”, so we’ll do that as well in this article. The EAB is an invasive species of beetle about a half-inch long, with bright metallic green wings on its back. It is not from here originally; it is native to China and other areas in the Far East. The EAB was first discovered here fairly recently, in southeastern Michigan near Detroit during the summer 20 years ago. It was likely carried into the U.S. on wooden packing materials, such as the pallets that hold automotive parts imported from Asia. The EAB only attacks ash trees – nothing else, no other species. Adult EAB beetles consume ash tree leaves with little damage to the tree, but when EAB larvae hatch, they feed on the ash tree’s inner bark. This causes far more serious damage,
Ash trees on West Broadway, near A. Note healthy treetops. Identifying Our Ash Trees. because it prevents the ash from sending water and nutrients to its treetop, leading to stunted growth and eventually, to the total loss of the tree. Unfortunately, the EAB has now spread to around 40 states and up into Canada, too. EABs are present in Massachusetts and all six New England states. Some locations actually quarantine firewood, so that the EABs suspected to be in that firewood can’t spread. At least one source of EAB information claims the infestation in the U.S. has resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars of losses to property owners, tree nurseries, wood product industries, and cities and towns. The spread of
A half-dozen ash trees on K at 2nd. Note their stunted treetops.
the EAB has certainly been accelerated by the global warming trend. When you get a few minutes, take quick looks at the smaller ash trees along K Street near Second. Note that their treetops seem stunted; those ash trees have grown a lot of suckers near eye level. We certainly aren’t arborists, but note how much more robust the tall ash trees on West Broadway between A and Dot Ave seem to be. Enjoy their cool shade. And let us know about any other South Boston stands of ash trees you are familiar with. Once again, thanks to Katie Dubow, President of the Garden Media Group, and to Zack Bolles of Hartney Greymont for his time and expertise.
Ash tree bark – thick, with rough vertical channels.