A California ash tree is an evergreen tree that typically grows to be between 50 and 70 feet tall and can have a trunk width of up to 2 feet. Its leaves are usually 5 to 6 inches long, have 7 to 11 leaflets, and a general shape that is lanceolate or ovate.
The leaves are a dark green, with a smooth texture, and have distinct serrated, toothed margins. The bark of the California ash tree is a greyish-brown color, and thick, with a scaly, corky texture. It’s bark maintains most of its color throughout the year, except for in winter when it will typically become a lighter brown.
California ash trees also produce small white flowers in the springtime that then develop into samaras (winged seed pods), which hang on the tree throughout the summer. The wood of the California ash tree is light, strong and flexible, and is commonly used in furniture making and crafts.
Where do ash trees grow best?
Ash trees grow best in moist, well-drained soil in full to partial sun exposure. They are tolerant of a wide range of soil pH and climate conditions, thriving in hardiness zones three through nine. They are relatively drought-tolerant and are often used as a street or park tree because of their durability.
They will not do well in extreme climates or soils, however. They should be planted in a sheltered area and mulched to help conserve soil wetness and protection from cold temperatures. Ash trees prefer soil that is high in organic matter but well-drained for maximum growth.
These trees can be found in woodlands, hedgerows, parks, gardens and street trees.
Are ash trees good for yard?
Yes, ash trees can be great additions to your yard, depending on the conditions and the specific species. Ash trees typically have strong trunks that are resistant to wind and other adverse weather conditions.
Additionally, many ash trees have attractive, glossy green leaves and some have bright red and yellow leaves in autumn. They can also provide a nice amount of shade, depending on their size and number.
Ash trees tend to have wide canopies with several branches that extend outward and upward, making them visually appealing. Most ash tree species don’t require much pruning and they’re relatively low-maintenance.
They’re also very tolerant of drought and air pollution. On the negative side, ash trees are susceptible to certain pests and diseases, such as the emerald ash borer, so it’s important to research these potential hazards before adding ash trees to your yard.
Overall, ash trees can be a great addition to your yard, provided you’re aware of the potential risks associated with adding these trees.
Should I plant an ash tree?
Planting an ash tree can be rewarding, especially if you live in an area where the tree is indigenous or where you can provide the right growing conditions. Ash trees are known for their shade and beauty, and can be a real asset to any landscape.
However, like any other tree, there are certain considerations you should be aware of before you decide to plant an ash tree.
First, ash trees require lots of space to grow to their mature size. If your backyard is relatively small, a smaller species of ash may be a better choice.
Also, ash trees are subject to infection from the Emerald Ash Borer, a pest native to North America, and ash tree mortality is highest in areas where the borer has been detected. If your area is affected by the borer, you may decide against planting an ash.
Another factor to consider is that ash trees are shallow rooted and can easily blow over in a wind storm. While proper pruning and staking can assist with wind resistance, it’s important to note that ash trees are more susceptible to serious damage in heavy winds and storms.
Learning about your own growing conditions and the potential impact pests can have on your ash tree is the best way to make an informed decision about whether or not to plant one. If you can provide the right growing environment and are prepared to tend to your tree properly, an ash tree can be a great addition to your landscape.
Are ash tree roots invasive?
Yes, ash tree roots can be very invasive and can cause problems in gardens and lawns. Ash trees have a fibrous root system that can spread out widely under the soil and can even extend beyond the area of the tree’s canopy.
This aggressive root system can lift and crack nearby pavement, invade sewer lines, strip soil of vital nutrients, and can even root into adjacent gardens. The roots can grow up to 60 feet deep and as far as the tree’s canopy height and width.
Anytime a tree is planted near a building or pavement, it should be carefully monitored and checked regularly for signs of excessive root growth. If an ash tree was planted close to a path, driveway, or other area with concrete, the roots should be removed to prevent further damage.
Regular maintenance and pruning of the roots can also help limit the potential for damage.
How long does an ash tree take to grow?
An ash tree can take between 15 to 20 years to reach full maturity, which is usually about 50 feet tall. Generally, in the first 5-7 years, the ash tree grows rapidly, with an average growth rate of 1-2 feet per year.
However, after 7 years, growth tends to slow down to about 8 inches per year. Depending on climate and environment, soil type, tree variety and other factors, the growth rate may vary. Good soil and adequate water, sunlight and nutrition will all contribute to faster growth and healthier trees.
What is the life expectancy of an ash tree?
The life expectancy of an ash tree depends on several factors, such as the species, climate, and the care it receives. Generally, the life span of an ash tree can range from 40 to 150 years or more.
In optimal growing conditions and with proper care, the white ash tree (Fraxinus americana) can live up to 200 years, although a more typical life span is 80–100 years. The green ash tree (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) is hardier and can last up to 150 years.
The Arizona ash tree (Fraxinus velutina) has a life span of 40 to 70 years while the Oregon ash tree (Fraxinus latifolia) lives between 60 and 80 years.
Climate can also have an impact on the life expectancy of an ash tree. Ash trees prefer temperate climates and can easily be damaged by drought and extreme temperatures, particularly hot conditions.
In addition to climate and species, the care an ash tree receives will play a role in determining its life span. Ash trees that are pruned and fertilized regularly can live longer than trees that are neglected.
Are ash trees messy?
Ash trees can, in some cases, be quite messy. This is because they have a habit of producing large amounts of small winged fruits called samaras, which are often referred to as “helicopter seeds” when they flutter to the ground.
These fruits are similar to those produced by maple trees, and can be a nuisance when they litter the ground, especially in high volumes. Additionally, ash trees can produce a large number of leaves during the fall season, resulting in a lot of raking if you wish to keep a tidy lawn.
Furthermore, ashes are one of the most popular firewood trees, so if the tree is recently cut down and the branches remain on the ground, it can produce a sizable mess.
How far should an ash tree be from a house?
Ideally, an ash tree should be at least 25 feet away from a home. This distance allows the tree to mature without presenting a hazard to the structure and its occupants. Additionally, a 25-foot buffer allows access to the tree so it can be pruned and monitored for pests or damage.
A good rule of thumb is to ensure the distance is at least half the height of the mature tree. With ash trees reaching an average height of 40-80 feet at maturity, the 25-foot buffer is a safe bet for protecting your home and allowing for maintenance.
Should ash trees be cut down?
No, ash trees should not be cut down unless absolutely necessary. Ash trees are a vertebrate species native to much of the United States and Canada. They have a long taproot which makes them well-suited for landscapes, parks, and yards — and they’re great for providing shade and bringing beauty to the environment.
At risk, however, is the Emerald Ash Borer, an exotic beetle that has been decimating ash trees in the United States since 2002. Cutting down ash trees should only be done selectively and as part of a larger plan to combat this infestation.
For example, insecticides and preventative pruning are two possible strategies to protect ash trees from this invasive species. Additionally, ‘trap trees’ can be used to attract and trap EAB, reducing their population in a local area.
If eab does attack the tree and prove to be unmanageable, then cutting the tree down may be the only option for the safety of the environment as a whole.
How far do ash tree roots grow?
The precise extent and depth to which ash tree roots extend will depend on the soil, climate, and general growing conditions of the particular tree. As a general rule, though, ash tree roots can grow quite deep, often extending several feet into the soil, and then spreading outwards for a considerable distance.
In some cases, the underground root system may expand as much as three times the diameter of the canopy, with roots spread out about 6-12 feet from the base of the tree. The lateral, or side roots, tend to fan out horizontally just beneath the soil surface, and can stretch as far as the tree is tall, or sometimes beyond.
In areas of shallow soil, tree roots may encounter interfering objects like sidewalks and driveways, causing them to grow in a jagged and unpredictable pattern.
Why are ash trees being removed?
Ash trees are being removed due to the threat of the emerald ash borer (EAB), an invasive insect that destroys ash trees. This foreign pest was first discovered in southeastern Michigan in the summer of 2002 and has since spread to over thirty states, reaching as far west as Colorado and as far south as Georgia.
The EAB larvae feed on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting the trees’ ability to transport water and nutrients, ultimately leading to its death. Because EAB populations are difficult to control, the most effective way to protect ash trees is to remove them from the landscape before the insect can spread.
This strategy is often referred to as “preemptive removal” and is the most cost-efficient and environmentally-friendly way to protect other trees from the impact of EAB.
Do ash trees spread?
Yes, ash trees can spread through a variety of means. The most common way is through seed dispersal. Male and female flowers of the ash tree produce pollen, which is then picked up by the wind or insects and carried to other trees.
The pollinated female flowers then produce seeds, which are dispersed by wind and animals. In addition to seed dispersal, ash trees can also spread through vegetative means, such as stolons (runners), root suckers and layering.
These methods allow the tree to reproduce and spread, whether long distances across landscapes or short distances throughout an urban ecosystem.
Do ash trees have invasive roots?
Yes, ash trees can have invasive roots. Depending on the species of ash tree, their root systems can extend far beyond the canopy of the tree, invading lawns and roads. The shallow root systems of white and green ash trees can spread several feet from the trunk and can cause damage to nearby lawns, driveways, curbs, and sidewalks.
Pruning the roots of the ash tree can help mitigate some of the problems associated with its invasive roots. Ash tree roots are particularly troublesome when planted too close to a home or building. It is important to carefully assess the space available before planting an ash tree so that its root system can grow without causing damage.
Additionally, if planting an ash tree near a building, it is best to leave a 5 to 8 foot space between the trunk and foundation to avoid any possible damage from roots invading sewers, plumbing, and foundations.
What trees should you not plant in your yard?
If you are looking to add some greenery to your yard, it is important to consider the type of tree that you are planting and how it will fit in with the natural environment around you. Certain trees, while they may appear appealing, can be an environmental or nuisance hazard, or can become a liability if planted in the wrong area.
Trees to avoid planting in your yard include:
• Dwarf Pussy Willow or Salix matsudana: These trees can be invasive and will spread quickly if not kept in check. They are known to be destructive to underground utilities, sidewalks, and driveways.
• Bradford Pear or Pyrus calleryana: These trees grow quickly, and while they may be attractive, their branches have a tendency to be weak and often break during storms. They are also prone to disease.
• Lombardy Poplar or Populus nigra ‘Italica’: While this tree is often found planted as a living fence, it does not hold up well to strong winds and ice storms. In addition, its presence can impede the growth of other trees and plants in the area.
• Mimosa or Albizia julibrissin: While this tree is often sought after for its attractive flowers and fern-like leaves, it tends to be very invasive and has been known to colonize areas and crowd out native plants.
• Silver Maple or Acer saccharinum: While having a large canopy, this tree is known to have weak limbs and shallow root systems, which can possibly cause property damage during storms or high winds.
Choosing the right tree when planning to grow a trees in your yard is essential. Before planting any of these trees, it is best to research the species you are considering, evaluating the consequences to your property and the environment around you.
