2015 ash failures in midwest

[baumeister]

I have seen a lot of ash tree failures at base to 15 feet all failing in the same manner this fall, winter. They are Complete vertical failure similar to barberchairs. The wood is obviously brittle. There must be a specific fungus that moves into ash after eab, but not after a none eab death. I have noticed none eab dead trees standing much longer. Anyone have any more info on this.?

 

[Oroboros]

Take some pictures of this for us. If you can.

 

[mrtree]

Nobody to my knowledge has identified a specific fungus that only occurs in concert with EAB. Do remember that trees that fail with often have 5+ years of EAB attack, at the least the first two of which are not noticed. Thus hundreds, if not thousands of infection points, working away for years. Identification of fungi without fruiting bodies is something only a lab can do (i.e. DNA, PCR or ELIZA).

If we look at similar insects that attack en mass we see similar results with decay. Think about DED and BBB. Elms that are attacked and retain their bark will be highly decayed 5 years after death and birch will decay while still living to the point where entire tops die and collapse.

 

[Tom Dunlap]

I don't think that there is any sort of fungus or decay organism moving in.

My assessment is that after EAB infestation the wood dries and weakens leading to failure.

Think of how fresh, live wood splits for firewood. Now, let those logs lay around the lot for some time, cut and split. Notice a difference? In some species green wood splits easier. In others, it changes and is easier to split when it's 'aged' in log form.

Look at how other species decline after they're infected with a pathogen or die from some other reason. Elm will still be strong after the bark is long gone and the canopy has shed twigs and small limbs. Aspen, cherry and others scare me after no more than a season of standing dead.

 

[baumeister]

I will keep my eyes out for pics. thanks for the info. does make sense.

 

[mrtree]

There is quite clearly fungal decay happening in EAB infested trees. Dr. Prasad much talked about paper proved something is happening. The problems seem to be that no fruiting occurs prior to tree collapse, no body is looking and we have few if any rapid test for species identification.

Species involved? Well maybe Schizophyllum commune, Bjerkandera adusta or Stereum gausapatum

 

[Tom Dunlap]

Thanks for that insight, Mr. Tree.

In addition to drying the decay can only weaken the tree more.