Ash trees losing leaves doesn't mean trees are dying, experts say

Tree experts say green ash trees that are losing leaves in Le Mars and other parts of northwest Iowa have a common fungal disease, not an insect problem, and the trees aren't dying.

Last week, state officials said the emerald ash borer, which is deadly to ash trees, had been found in northeast Iowa.

Janelle Johnson of the Iowa State University Extension office in Plymouth County says leaves are falling because of anthracnose fungi. It causes leaves to develop spots and curl and eventually drop.

Johnson says the fungi, which develops well in cool, rainy spring weather, doesn't cause major harm to strong trees.

Johnson says the fungi can also occur in maple, oak, sycamore, walnut and other deciduous trees.

-- Associated Press