Wind Storm Takes Out Nation’s Tallest Ash Tree

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A wind storm has ended a northeast Iowa black ash tree's reign as a national champion.

The Department of Natural Resources says Friday that a crew discovered Thursday that the tree in Clayton County had been severely damaged by a wind storm. The storm blew down the top of the tree, about 30 feet up the trunk.

The tree, which grew on private property near Pikes Peak State Park, gained its national status as the tallest ash after being nominated in 2011. It was 114-feet tall with a crown the spread 53 feet. A medium sized ash is about 50 feet.

The crew that discovered the damage had planned to give the tree preventative treatment for emerald ash borer. The tree had no signs of damage from the insect.