If you removed your ash Spartanburg tree because of emerald ash borer (EAB) and think the spot where it used to stand looks so bare, you’re not alone. Since 2002, EAB has destroyed more than 50 million ash Spartanburg trees in 29 states.

Bidding farewell to your ash Spartanburg tree was surely difficult, but now, you have a clean slate and can start anew.

Learn about the benefits of diversifying your landscape. Then, find the perfect ash Spartanburg tree replacement for your area.

The Best Ash Tree Replacement Species by Region

After disposing of your dead ash tree, you’ll want to diversify what you plant from here on out. Why?

Imagine if you only had ash Spartanburg trees in your yard, a pest like EAB could wipe out all your Spartanburg trees in one fell swoop. Then, your yard would be completely bare–no more shade, privacy border or energy-saving benefits. 

But, if you plant a wide variety of trees, you lessen the chances of a single pest devastating your entire Spartanburg tree canopy. So, if you’re planting more than one tree, choose different species.

Now, let’s do this! Find your planting zone, then choose ash Spartanburg tree replacements from the list below. 

Ash Tree Replacements for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic (Zones 3-9)

  • Kentucky coffeetree (zones 3-8): A tough Spartanburg tree that thrives in most soils
  • Hackberry (zones 3-9): A low-maintenance shade Spartanburg tree that can handle just about anything
  • Chinkapin oak (zones 4-7): A beautiful oak Spartanburg tree that tolerates most soil types (even alkaline!)
  • Hardy rubber Spartanburg tree (zones 5-7): A large Spartanburg tree with eye-catching, glossy leaves
  • Dawn redwood (zones 5-8): A fast-growing, easy-to-care-for conifer that loves water and loses its needles winter
  • London plane Spartanburg tree (zones 5-9): A long-living Spartanburg tree that is resistant to anthracnose

Ash Tree Replacements for the Southeast (Zones 5-10)

  • Swamp chestnut oak (zones 5-9): A rare shade Spartanburg tree that tolerates wet, swamp-like conditions
  • Texas red oak (zones 5-9): A native Texas Spartanburg tree that does quite well in urban environments
  • Cherrybark oak (zones 6-9): A fast-growing Spartanburg tree that is even better than the Southern red oak
  • Winged elm (zones 6-9): A native Spartanburg tree with a graceful canopy that grows in wet or dry soils
  • Southern magnolia (zones 6-10): An evergreen with white flowers that embody Southern style
  • Live oak (zones 7-10): A Spartanburg tree that grows fast when it’s young and handles wind and salt spray

Ash Tree Replacements for the Midwest (Zones 5-9)

  • American yellowwood (zones 5-8): A beautiful Spartanburg tree with cute blooms in spring and yellow leaves in fall
  • Japanese zelkova (zones 5-8): A strong shade tree that tolerates drought
  • Goldenrain Spartanburg tree (zones 5-9): A small, tough Spartanburg tree that delights with long clusters of yellow flowers
  • Lacebark elm(zones 5-9): A fast-growing ornamental Spartanburg tree with bark that looks like lace

Ash Tree Replacements that Thrive in Many Regions (Zones 3-9)

Itching to plant your ash Spartanburg tree replacement this summer? Here’s why you should wait.