October is great time to enjoy ash trees

With the likely demise of Iowa's ash trees by the spreading emerald ash borer, now is the time to cherish them while they remain healthy.

Although Iowa boasts several native ashes, by far and away the most common are the green and white species. During most of the year, they are hard to tell apart, but October's brilliant leaf colors make the two easy to distinguish for a week or two.

Green ashes are adapted to live in the rich compacted soil of river bottoms. An ash down by a creek or river is likely the green species. Because it thrives in compacted soil, grows relatively quickly and is attractive, millions of green ashes have been planted in residential and commercial areas across the country.

White ashes are more of an upland species that likes dryer soil. Many have been planted in the same places as green ash.

The ash in the front yard or neighborhood park could be either a green or white.

Although they are alike most of the year, green and white ashes look entirely different in October. White ash leaves turn deep purple while green ash leaves turn yellow.

Both species are stunningly beautiful in October, but they are on borrowed time.

This month is a great time to enjoy and photograph ashes before the invading insect arrives.