Question
I have been pumping water out of the crawl space under my house every winter for the past 4 years.  Obviously I have a drainage and grade problem but now the front vegetation is dying back.  I have a 60 year old White ash tree that has 20 to 30% dead limbs.  A leader will lead into 2 branches.. 1 is dead and the other is ok.  That repeats thru the whole tree. Can I save the tree by correcting the ground PH or can I inject something into it.  Other bushes in the yard have died as if choked off at the roots.

Answer
Hi Jim, I don't think you have a pH problem.  You may have a root rot issue from the excessive moisture or you may have borers (particularly the emerald ash borer) that is killing your tree.  Look closely for pin holes in the trunk and for furrows under the bark on dead wood.
It may be a combination of issues.  The shrubs death may be related to the excess water and root rot, look for dime sized holes that may indicate vole damage and check closely for insect damage.
Don't change the pH unless you know you need to.  Test your soil first.   
Once you have ruled out borer damage on the ash, there are some soil fungicides that will correct a root rot issue.  Check with your local garden center for one approved for use in your area.   Jim