Top 10 Ash Replacement Trees for your Property

Posted: 2019 | Spring | Summer | Tree and Shrub Planting

The emerald ash borer has claimed hundreds of trees throughout the state of Wisconsin. With its debut in August of 2008, Wachtel Tree Science’s certified arborists have spent the last decade working hard to treat ash trees in hopes to keep them both healthy and alive. However, without the proper treatment plans in place early on, an EAB infestation cannot be reversed easily.

Is it safe to replant an Ash Tree?

Though the removal of a tree is always Wachtel Tree Science’s last resort, removing defeated ash trees is the best way to lower and control emerald ash borer infestations statewide. If you’ve recently had to remove a beloved ash tree from your property, your space is not wasted. While it’s not recommended to replant an ash tree, the primary reason being to control the emerald ash borer population, there are plenty of ash replacement tree alternatives that can complement your landscape.

What should your replacement tree be?

While it’s not required, planting tree species that are native to Wisconsin is recommended. Not only are they adapted to specific soil and climate, but they will require less maintenance, have higher survival rates, and provide both habitat and food for Wisconsin wildlife. Below is a list of ash replacement trees that will prosper and complement the design of your property.

Oak Trees

Appearance: White Oak: dark green foliage, golden yellow in fall; Pin Oak: scarlet red late fall foliage; Bur Oak: deeply furrowed bark

Musclewood Tree

Appearance: upper surfaces: dark green and hairless – lower surfaces: pale to slightly green and sparsely short-hairy

Kentucky Coffee-Tree

Appearance: large leaves bluish-green in color, yellow fall foliage

Red Maple Tree

Appearance: red, becoming a brilliant red in autumn with cases of yellow and orange

Hornbeam Tree

Appearance: orange to deep red fall foliage

Ironwood Tree

Appearance: pale yellow foliage

Hickory Tree

Appearance: greenish-yellow with yellow fall foliage

Hackberry Tree

Appearance: knobby bark, purple-black fall fruit, and greenish-yellow leaves

Skyline Honeylocust Tree

Appearance: green leaf color in the summer and yellow or golden fall color

Birch Tree

Appearance: whitish-brown bark, yellow fall foliage

Property Tours and Planting Services

Selecting the right tree for your space can be challenging. Wachtel Tree Science has a team of certified arborists that can tour your property and provide the best recommendations based on your preference and space requirements. From identifying the right replacement tree to the process of planting, partner with our team today!

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