Question From: Massapequa, New York, United States
Q: Nancy, I have recently removed a dying Anjou pear tree from my yard. The tree was about 35 years old and gave us wonderful fruit for many, many years. I believe the tree had several problems the last three years of its life. 1. The leafs had orange spots all over them 2. The leafs had what I call soot like spots on them 3. There seems to have been some type of fungus growing at the base of the tree(Dead Man’s Fingers, Xylaria polymorphDead) The stump has been removed, and any large roots we could find. So here is the question, I would like to plant an American Ash tree in its place. What should I be concerned about and if anything should be done to the soil so none of the previous issues transfer to the new tree. Thank you for taking the time in helping me out with this. Robert
A: Most diseases are plant family specific so planting the ash would not be a problem. However, ash trees have been devastated by the emerald ash borer, if it is still active in your area you will have to treat the tree with Merit on an ongoing basis. Check with your city arborist for recommendations of city trees to plant. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy
