FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) — An endangered tree is the pride of one Fort Wayne man’s yard.
Todd Smyers remembers that when he first moved into Blackstone Street in Northwest Fort Wayne 35 years ago, the Ash tree growing in the front lawn was only 10 feet tall. He used to drape the bows in Christmas lights each season, but now it towers over his house, adorned with leaves that look more golden yellow each day.
This is peak “leaf peeping” time for the Ash tree, according to Smyers. He said its leaves will fall soon, so he’s been soaking up the view of his Ash tree and his neighbor’s twin tree, whose leaves are turning purple.
Those two may be some of the only Ash trees in Fort Wayne. Since 2009, an insect called the Emerald Ash Borer has destroyed about 14,000 trees around the city, according to Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation…