Ash trees, a familiar presence in many landscapes, occasionally shed various materials. While some shedding is a natural part of their life cycle, certain types or quantities of debris falling from an ash tree can signal underlying health concerns. Understanding what these droppings are and why they occur helps in maintaining tree health.
Understanding Ash Tree Droppings
Homeowners might observe several distinct types of ash tree droppings. Samaras, the tree’s winged seeds, are a common sight, typically falling from late summer through autumn. Leaves are another expected dropping, especially in autumn, though they can fall prematurely at other times.
Honeydew, a sticky, sugary substance, often appears on surfaces beneath ash trees. This is the excretory byproduct of sap-feeding insects like aphids or scale insects. Small twigs and dead branches may also fall, which can be part of a natural self-pruning process, or an indication of declining branch health. Frass, the sawdust-like waste material from wood-boring insects, suggests insect activity within the tree. Galls, which are abnormal growths on leaves or twigs, can also detach and fall, often resulting from insect or mite activity.
Why Ash Trees Drop Debris
Ash trees shed various materials due to natural processes and environmental or biological stressors. Seasonal changes dictate natural leaf drop in autumn as the tree prepares for dormancy. Seed dispersal via samaras is part of the ash tree’s annual reproductive cycle. The tree may also shed small, weak, or shaded twigs as part of its natural growth.
Environmental stressors significantly influence the amount and type of debris an ash tree sheds. Prolonged drought conditions can lead to premature leaf drop as the tree conserves water. Conversely, excessive moisture can also stress the root system, impacting overall tree health and leading to shedding. Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, and nutrient deficiencies in the soil can similarly cause the tree to shed foliage or small branches as a stress response.
Pest infestations commonly cause problematic droppings. The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), an invasive beetle, causes extensive branch dieback and bark splitting, eventually leading to the fall of large sections of the tree. Aphids and scale insects, by feeding on sap, produce honeydew, which then coats surfaces below. Certain diseases also contribute to shedding; for instance, anthracnose can cause leaf spot and premature leaf drop, while ash yellows, a systemic disease, leads to overall decline and branch shedding. Physical damage from strong winds, ice storms, or human activities can also directly cause branches and bark to fall from the tree.
When Droppings Indicate a Problem
Observing unusual quantities or timings of ash tree droppings often signals an underlying issue. For example, excessive leaf drop during the summer months, particularly if leaves are discolored or wilted, suggests stress or disease rather than normal seasonal shedding. A sudden, large accumulation of frass, appearing like fine sawdust at the base of the tree or in bark crevices, indicates active wood-boring insect infestations. Similarly, an extensive coating of honeydew on vehicles or patio furniture suggests a significant presence of sap-feeding insects.
Specific types of droppings or accompanying signs on the tree itself are important indicators. The presence of D-shaped exit holes, approximately 1/8 inch wide, on the bark is a definitive sign of Emerald Ash Borer activity, often preceding significant branch dieback. Large numbers of dead branches, especially in the upper canopy, point towards declining tree health. Other symptoms on the tree, such as a noticeable thinning of the canopy, vertical bark splitting, or the development of cankers (sunken lesions on branches or the trunk), further confirm a problematic situation.
Addressing Ash Tree Droppings
Managing ash tree droppings often begins with routine cleanup, particularly for natural shedding like leaves and samaras. Raking or mulching fallen leaves can help maintain a tidy landscape and return nutrients to the soil. For honeydew, simply washing affected surfaces with water and a mild soap solution effectively removes the sticky residue.
Maintaining overall tree health is a proactive approach to minimize problematic shedding. Ensuring the tree receives adequate water, especially during dry periods, and applying a layer of organic mulch around the base helps retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature. Regular, proper pruning to remove dead or weak branches not only improves tree structure but also reduces the risk of these branches falling unexpectedly. For extensive or concerning droppings, particularly those indicative of pests like the Emerald Ash Borer or severe disease, consulting a certified arborist is advisable. These professionals can accurately diagnose the issue and recommend appropriate treatment options or, if necessary, safe removal.