Pittsfield Charter Twp, Michigan - Disposal and Replacement of Ash Trees

If you are concerned about a dead ash tree within the county road right of way, you may call the Washtenaw County Road Commission and ask to have the tree put on their list for removal. Call 761-1500. As a township, Pittsfield does not own streets or the trees in the street right of way.

For dead or dying ash trees on private property, check the phone directory for arborists and tree service providers. These companies should offer to take the wood to the Wood Recyling Center (see below for hours and details).

If you want to do the removal work yourself, a 2 to 4-inch tree can be cut using a pruning saw. For a larger tree, borrow or rent a chain saw. You can cut the tree up for firewood. Offer it to neighbors or friends within the quarantine zone if you don't have a fireplace or outdoor fire ring. The hardwood from mature ash trees is excellent and not damaged by the borer. It can be used for woodworking, as long as you do not remove it from Washtenaw County.

There is no rush to remove infected ash trees, as the infestation is already pervasive in this area. Ash trees that are still leafed out and green can be left alone. A tree that has sprouted from the bottom is in terminal condition--the borer has girdled it so that no nutrients can reach the branches. However,a dead tree provides good habitat for birds and other wildlife.

Before removing a live tree, be sure it is in fact the right type of tree. White ash, red ash, green ash (commonly planted in subdivisions) and black ash are all attacked by the emerald ash borer. However, the blue ash was not attacked as early and many specimens still appear healthy. The mountain ash (no relative of the others) and prickly ash are not attacked. Young walnut and hickory trees may easily be confused with ash trees.

Tree identification and other borer-related information is available on the MSU web site at http://forestry.msu.edu/uptreeid and www.emeraldashborer.info

If you have no use for the wood, take it to the Mid-Michigan Recycling Wood Processing Center at 4120 Platt Road. The wood will be shredded and taken to a wastewood cogeneration plant to produce steam and electricity. Property owners and tree service companies may use this wood disposal site for ash trees, for a fee of $8.50 per yard. Individuals must be able to deliver the material to the yard and offload it from their vehicle.

Mid Michigan Recycling Center

4120 Platt Rd - Pittsfield Township

Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., M-F

8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays

734/477-5651

Location: Corner of Ellsworth and Platt Roads

Do not use a dumpster to dispose of infected ash wood. Trash haulers cannot know what is in their load and are at risk of violating the quarantine.

MSU Extension has published Bulletin E-2940, titled "My Ash Tree is Dead--Now What Do I do?" which describes numerous options in making use of dead ash trees. To download it, click here.

Replacing Ash Trees

Some nurseries will remove the dead trees and plant new ones on the same contract. Be sure to shop around, and ask for a variety of native trees or cultivars of native trees that are correctly matched to the soil type. Beware of cheap deals offering exotic nursery trees that are unlikely to suit the local climate and the site.

The USDA Conservation Service will assist you in identifying the soil type and the appropriate native trees-- 761-6721 X 5. The Conservation Service also has a fall and spring tree sale if you wish to order and plant the trees yourself.

MSU Extension has published recommendations for ash tree replacement. To download the pamplet in Adobe pdf format, titled "Extension Bulletin E2925--Recommended Alternatives to Ash Trees for Michigan's Lower Peninsula," click here.