Where are the ash trees? And how many are there?
Ash
trees are widespread in the United States and all 16 native ash species are
susceptible to EAB attack.
There are seven species of ash
trees in Texas: Green, White, Carolina, Texas, Water, Mexican and Arizona
Ash.
Ash trees can make up a large population of urban
forests. In Austin, Texas, for example, ash makes up 4.4% of the urban forest –
that’s over a million trees.
Ash trees make up less than 5%
of rural Texas forestlands.
Why are ash trees
important?
Ash trees are important to our environment and our
economy. They help fill in the forest canopy and provide shade for the forest
floor. They help keep our ecosystems diverse and stable.
They
provide shade—cooling our streets and homes. They help keep our air clean and
our water pure.
They help maintain our soil and manage storm water
runoff. They also beautify and add value to the places we live, work and play.
Ash trees are also important to us because of the products they
provide.
The wood of the white ash has unique qualities. It is
pliable and strong, but light in weight. Many products are made from the wood
of the white ash, including baseball bats, hockey sticks, guitars, boat oars,
flooring and furniture. White ash also provides food for some wildlife—such
as cardinals, finches and wood ducks.
The wood of the black ash
is not as strong as white ash, but has a grain look that is used for
furniture. The wood of a young black ash can be split and used for cabinet
making.