Hi Paul,

The ash trees will probably be short lived because of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). However, they can grow quite tall during their shorter lives and are in important part of local ecology. Squirrels and other mammals eat the seeds. Frog tadpoles feed on their fallen leaves. Woodpeckers and other birds make use of the snags (dead trees). Some make the argument that we need to leave some ash trees growing to see if some develop a resistance to EAB. It is your call if you remove them--there are arguments to be made in either direction. 

In regards to Tree of Heaven (TOH) and Spotted Lanternfly (SLF), I think it is widely recognized that TOH is invasive and that populations of the tree contribute to SLF's ability to reproduce and create an infestation. However, cities like Detroit do not have the resources to remove TOH on a large scale. It is very costly to remove trees. When the ash trees all died, some cities had to pass millages to pay for their removal. The ash trees were easier to remove than TOH because they were all dead. TOH requires a unique approach with herbicides to prevent it from reemerging via root suckers. 

Dr. Deb McCullough at MSU is studying both SLF and TOH. She wrote a long publication on their relationship. She can advise municipalities on both subjects. 

Be aware that there are different types of elm. Siberian elm is invasive and will put up root suckers, much like TOH, if you cut it and do not apply herbicide. 

Boxelder is a native species and has its place in the ecosystem.