Ash Trees in Vermont: Understanding the Limits of Treatment in the Era of the Emerald Ash Borer

Ash trees have long been an integral part of Vermont’s landscapes, from the shaded avenues of Burlington to the riparian woodlands and wetlands of Addison County. They contribute not only aesthetic beauty but also ecological and cultural value. Vermont is home to three native ash species: white ash (Fraxinus americana), green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), and black ash (Fraxinus nigra), the latter of which holds deep cultural significance for traditional Abenaki basketmaking. Collectively, ash species constitute approximately five percent of the state’s forests, with higher concentrations in northern wetlands, floodplains, and roadside plantings. Their ecological contributions are manifold: they provide critical habitat for birds and mammals, stabilize soils, moderate stormwater runoff, and offer straight-grained, durable timber. The loss of ash, therefore, is not merely a matter of individual trees dying—it represents a profound disruption to Vermont’s ecological fabric and cultural heritage.