#147 Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica)
This very large ash sits behind a historic NoDa mill house that was built in 1903. During trimming in summer 2022, a very early-stage emerald ash borer (EAB) infestation was found and the tree was quickly treated. Ash trees are in severe decline in the US due to the spread of the emerald ash borer. This beetle is native to Asia, and was first identified in Michigan in 2002. It was likely present in the US well before then, and it has now killed hundreds of millions of ash trees in North America. Injection of specific insecticides can be used to protect ash trees from EAB infestation.
More Information
- Nominated By: Patrick and Julia George
- Year Added: 2022
- Owned By: Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation
- Current condition: Good
- Neighborhood: Freedom Park
- Property Type: Public Park
- Nearest Address: 1908 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
Ecological Value: Ash are fast-growing and easily adaptable to a wide range of site conditions, which is why they were so prolifically planted. They also help stabilize soil near stream banks. But EAB threatens many ash trees around the country.