White Ash Decline and Shrub Death: Root Rot, Borers, or pH? Diagnostic Steps and Treatments

Pumping crawlspace water 4 winters. 60-year white ash 20–30% dead limbs (alternating dead/live branches). Bushes dying as if choked at roots. Asks if correcting pH or injecting can save tree.

Not a pH Problem

Likely root rot from excess moisture or emerald ash borer. Check for pin holes in trunk, furrows under bark on dead wood.

Shrubs

Excess water → root rot. Look for vole holes (dime-sized) and insect damage.

Steps

1. Test soil before any pH change.
2. Rule out borers.
3. If root rot, apply labeled soil fungicide (check local garden center).