# A Weather-Watching Arborist Shares Tree Wisdom and Winter Forecasts

In this engaging episode, renowned arborist Ron Rothhaas brings his expertise to the garden, discussing everything from the fate of recovering ash trees to the best choices for street tree plantings. With his unique combination of tree knowledge and meteorological insight, Ron offers practical advice for homeowners while sharing his predictions for an unusually snowy December across the Midwest and Northeast.

## Episode Highlights:

**3:15** - Emerald ash borer update: Ron explains that while the insect remains present in smaller numbers, treatment protocols have been extended from every two years to every three years, and some untreated ash trees show surprising resilience.

**9:20** - Street tree selection: Discussion of infrastructure damage from tree roots, with recommendations for black gum and ginkgo over red maple in limited planting spaces.

**12:05** - Winter pruning benefits: Why arborists prefer dormant-season pruning for oaks to prevent oak wilt disease, plus structural pruning tips for young trees.

**18:40** - Winter weather outlook: Detailed forecast of an active storm pattern bringing significant snow to the Midwest, with Cincinnati potentially facing accumulating snow by Tuesday morning.

**21:30** - White Christmas predictions: Ron breaks from his usual "50% chance" stance, suggesting significantly higher odds this year for the Ohio Valley and Northeast regions.

Whether you're managing trees on your property or preparing for winter weather, Ron combines scientific knowledge with practical experience to help you make informed decisions. Listen now to benefit from his decades of expertise in both arboriculture and meteorology!

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