Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
Wednesday - July 06, 2016
From: Whittier, CA
Region: California
Topic: Pests
Title: Green Ash Tree in California Dropping Seeds
Answered by: Anne Van Nest
QUESTION:
We have two large green ash trees in our front yard. 2 yrs ago, they began to lose seeds year round. When they're green and when they turn brown. I believe they may have termites or some type of insect in them. Branches break off for no apparent reason. Is there a way to get these insects out?ANSWER:
Sorry for the delay in answering your question. One place to consider going for expert help with your green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) is the Urban Forest Ecostystems Institute at Cal Poly. (ufei.calpoly.edu) Dr. Walter Mark is the resident specialist in pathology and entomology. You can email the institute at [email protected].
Another source of professional advice could be the City of Whittier, California Tree Maintenance Supervisor. The city website says they can be contacted at 562-567-9400.
Also be on the watch for a very destructive insect called an Emerald Ash Borer that uses green ash (and many other ash) as a host. The Oregon Department of Forestry has an extensive pdf online with information and images of the insect and resulting damage. (trwc.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/RVB-EAB-presentation.pdf)
From the Image Gallery
More Pests Questions
Plants that donkeys won't eat
August 08, 2012 - What plants/trees do donkeys NOT like? I live in Hawaii on the Big Island and they visit once a week in my yard. I like them but would prefer that they stay just outside. Unfortunately they like my...
view the full question and answer
Identity of small objects that look like tiny pecans
November 14, 2013 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants,
I am doing my science fair project on acorns. Last year I measured how many acorns and other nature-y stuff fell into a baby pool from a live oak tree in my backyard every ...
view the full question and answer
Possible freeze damage in Wax Myrtle from last winter in Bastrop, TX
July 25, 2011 - Our Wax Myrtle is about 7 yrs old and in good shape until this past winter when we had several very hard freezes. Now several of the large branches are dead and more are dying each month. We have not ...
view the full question and answer
Lace Bugs on Lantana
August 06, 2015 - All my lantana bushes are suffering from severe lace bug infestation. The lace bugs have been seen via microscope as well exoskeletons and poop. The buds are destroyed and I have no flowers for hummin...
view the full question and answer
Problems with blueberries from Kernersville NC
April 29, 2012 - My blueberry plants have no leaves or scrawny ones. I have 13 plants, 5 of them are like this.
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |