How big are ash trees?

Large tree; tall and often graceful trunk; average height 50' to 80' with a diameter of up to 24"; rounded to the pyramidal crown.

Is an ash tree a good tree?

This hardy shade tree has been a popular choice due to its fast growth, nice shade, and ability to adapt to a range of soil conditions.

Is ash a good yard tree?

Ash trees, native to the eastern United States, belong to the genus Fraxinus and the olive family. They're popular in landscapes, lawns and along streets, where they need little care and provide cool, leafy shade.

How wide do ash trees get?

Mature Size. The white ash grows to a height of 50–80' and a spread of 40–50' at maturity.

Do all ash trees need to be cut down?

Some ash trees may have genetic tolerance to ash dieback, meaning they may survive and reproduce to create the next generation of ash trees. Therefore, it is important to retain ash trees where they stand out as being healthier than those around them and it is safe to do so.

The Great Ash Tree

What is the lifespan of an ash tree?

Age. Ash may live for 350 years, although 200 may be more typical on many sites. Ash are ancient from 225 years onwards, although many have ancient characteristics from around 175 years. Typically a veteran ash is 100-200 years of age and a notable ash may be 75-150 years old.

What are the disadvantages of an ash tree?

Ash is considered a non-durable, perishable wood. When damp or in contact with the ground, ash wood is prone to rotting. Ash is also susceptible to attack by beetles and fungus, especially the sapwood. According to Advantage Lumber, ash wood appeals to common furniture beetles and powder post beetles.

Is ash tree a messy tree?

The ash tree is a deciduous tree, meaning they will shed leaves when the growing season is over. There are many tree types that are referred to as being messy, and the ash tree is one of them. However, the majority of ash trees drop tehri leaves within about 2 weeks, limiting the messy period.

Are ash trees good for anything?

Ash trees provide food and shelter to many species of insects, amphibians, mammals, and birds. Several animal species feed on ash seeds, like squirrels, mice, and turkeys. Large white ash are one of the best trees to form hollow cavities used by a variety of wildlife species, like porcupines and bats.

Are ash tree roots deep?

Green ashes can have a root spread of up to 30 feet, making them especially likely to take out a foundation if they are close to a home. Their water-seeking roots spread out to find moist and saturated soils, leaving them with the opportunity to seek the foundation for resources.

Do ash trees break easily?

While some dead trees remain structurally sound for years, ash trees do not. Over time, branches start to die, becoming brittle and dangerous. Eventually, the whole tree “dries out” and the wood starts to break apart. Large branches fall off.

How do you tell if it's an ash tree?

How close to a house can you plant an ash tree?

Since it grows tall, try to keep a strict minimum of at least 20 feet (6 m) from house walls. Having 30 feet (10 m) or more is best to avoid issues later on.

What are 3 facts about ash trees?

Green ash trees will reach a height of about 60 feet with a spread of 45 feet. Upright main branches bear twigs which droop toward the ground before bending upward at their tips much like basswood. The glossy dark green foliage will turn yellow in the fall, but the color is often muted in southern regions.

How long does it take for an ash tree to fully grow?

Growing to full size takes an ash tree anywhere from 16 to 60 years, depending on species and environmental conditions.

Do ash trees take a lot of water?

Water your ash tree every few days as it is establishing its roots. After a few weeks, stop watering as frequently. Once the tree is rooted, you should only have to water it during periods of drought. California and Arizona ash trees are quite tolerant to droughts, and you can create problems by over-watering.

Can dead ash trees be used for lumber?

Ash is a great species of lumber to work with. Ash is known for its staining potential and ability to mimic oak. It has great shock resistance, and solid workability. To this point, it has been an economical wood that was always readily available.

Can you eat the fruit of an ash tree?

Mountain ash berries are indeed edible, though you wouldn't want to munch them fresh off the tree in late summer. Like black chokeberries, mountain ash berries are exceedingly astringent, and not in the least tasty eaten on their own.

Are dead ash trees worth money?

There is no economic value to the trees unless you can find someone to use it for firewood. If you put a sign out "free firewood", it's likely someone could use it. Unfortunately, the entire U.S. is cutting down ash trees, due to the non-native emerald ash borer.

Do ash trees smell?

As firewood, ash's slightly flammable sap and sweet smell make it a cozy cold-weather favorite. Ash trees also grace our cityscapes and perform vital services of cooling and air-quality improvements, as these trees are capable of flourishing despite urban pollution.

Why is it called an ash tree?

White Ash Tree (Fraxinus americana L.) The name ash comes from the word “spear,” which could be a reference to its spear-shaped leaves or the fact that ancient peoples used the tree to make weaponry.

What trees are mistaken for ash trees?

Not sure if your tree is an ash? This simple key is intended to help you distinguish between some common deciduous landscape trees frequently confused with ash, including: elm, boxelder, mountainash, walnut and hickory.

Why are so many ash trees dying?

The main reason why so many ash trees are dying is the Emerald Ash Borer, a pest native to Asia that has killed many ash trees. First observed in Michigan, the Emerald Ash Borer has spread throughout the U.S., killing about 200 million ash trees.

Why are ash trees going extinct?

Ash trees across the globe are currently facing two significant threats: an insect known as the emerald ash borer (EAB), and a fungal disease known as ash dieback disease. EAB is killing ash trees at an unprecedented rate in the United States, and five North American species of ash are considered critically endangered.

Can ash trees make a comeback?

Ash trees could be reintroduced; they re-sprout very easily, so even though the large trees might die, they can still come back quickly. The end result might look more like a shrub, however.