Troubleshooting
Velvet Ash problems — and how to fix them
Velvet Ash (Fraxinus velutina) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) risk
EAB has been spreading westward and is now a threat to southwestern US ash populations. Fraxinus velutina is susceptible. Preventive systemic insecticide treatment with imidacloprid or emamectin benzoate is advisable for high-value trees in areas where EAB is present or approaching.
Verticillium wilt
Soil-borne Verticillium dahliae causes sudden wilting and death of individual branches (flagging), eventually leading to whole-tree death. No cure; improve drainage and avoid overhead irrigation. Do not replant with another susceptible species in affected soil.
Anthracnose and leaf scorch
In unusually wet springs, anthracnose fungus can cause brown blotches on leaves. Conversely, reflected heat from paving or walls can scorch leaf margins. Ensure the tree is not planted too close to south-facing hard surfaces without adequate soil volume.
Prevent velvet ash problems before they start
Most velvet ash issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Velvet Ash problems — FAQ
Why is my velvet ash emerald ash borer (eab) risk?
EAB has been spreading westward and is now a threat to southwestern US ash populations. Fraxinus velutina is susceptible. Preventive systemic insecticide treatment with imidacloprid or emamectin benzoate is advisable for high-value trees in areas where EAB is present or approaching.
Why is my velvet ash verticillium wilt?
Soil-borne Verticillium dahliae causes sudden wilting and death of individual branches (flagging), eventually leading to whole-tree death. No cure; improve drainage and avoid overhead irrigation. Do not replant with another susceptible species in affected soil.
Why is my velvet ash anthracnose and leaf scorch?
In unusually wet springs, anthracnose fungus can cause brown blotches on leaves. Conversely, reflected heat from paving or walls can scorch leaf margins. Ensure the tree is not planted too close to south-facing hard surfaces without adequate soil volume.