Blue Ash, Ohio: A City Named for Its Trees
- Kevin Lester
- Aug 13
- 2 min read
Ohio is home to more than 90 tree species and has more Tree City USA designations than any other state. Just in our area here in Greater Cincinnati, we have a wealth of communities culturally and historically tied to their native trees. As part of a new series highlighting communities in the Greater Cincinnati area, we are taking a closer look at Blue Ash, Ohio, a city named for its distinctive ash trees.
History of Blue Ash
Blue Ash was settled in the late 18th century, and the area's abundant blue ash trees played an important role in its early history. In 1797, early settlers constructed Carpenter's Run Baptist Church using blue ash logs, helping give the community its name.
The blue ash tree was a useful natural resource for the community’s early settlers and a part of the beautiful landscape. Today, the tree remains an important part of Blue Ash's identity and serves as a reminder of the area's natural history.
The Blue Ash Tree
The blue ash is a native Midwest tree known for its distinctive square-shaped twigs and ability to thrive in certain limestone-rich soils. Like other native ash species, however, blue ash faces a serious threat from the emerald ash borer.
Emerald ash borer is an invasive insect that attacks ash trees beneath the bark, disrupting the tree's ability to transport water and nutrients. Signs of an infestation can include thinning or dying branches, new sprouts around the base of the tree, increased woodpecker activity, and distinctive D-shaped exit holes.
Because ash trees can become hazardous as they decline, regular inspections and professional tree care can help property owners determine whether a tree can be treated and preserved or whether removal may eventually be necessary.
Tree Care in Blue Ash
At Gregory Forrest Lester, Inc., we're proud to provide professional tree care services to homeowners and properties throughout the Blue Ash area. From tree pruning and maintenance to evaluating declining or hazardous trees, our team is here to help protect the trees that make Cincinnati-area communities such as Blue Ash special.
Blue Ash may have been named for the trees that once surrounded its early settlers, but its connection to trees continues today. Caring for those trees helps preserve not only the beauty of the community, but also a piece of its history.
