Is Blue Ash a tree?

Blue ash (Fraxinus quadrangulata), present almost exclusively in the western half of Ohio, is the ash tree that is different in four respects from other ashes found east of the Mississippi River. First, it usually has square, rather than round, young twigs that may be winged or corky.

How do I identify a blue ash tree?

Leaf: Blue ash has a very large 7- to 14-inch leaf that is divided into two rows of 2- to 5-inch, coarsely toothed leaflets on either side of a central stem. Leaves are dark green in summer and fade to pale yellow in autumn. The stem has small ridges that make it appear square.

What are some fun facts about blue ash trees?

Interesting Facts

Blue ash is also referred to as square-stemmed ash because its twigs and stems are square, distinguishing it from other ashes in the state. The name "blue ash" is a reference to the blue dye produced when the inner bark is placed in water and/or the sap, which turns bluish when exposed to air.

How long does a blue ash tree live?

Blue Ash grows quickly and can live 125 to 150 years.

How tall does a blue ash tree get?

A native of midwestern North America, blue ash is often found at limestone outcrops and therefore thrives in dry soils of alkaline pH. It may grow to 80 feet tall by 40 feet wide, with a slow growth rate.

Trees with Don Leopold - blue ash

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.

Why not to plant ash trees?

Sadly, ash trees aren't recommended for planting in some areas because they often succumb to emerald ash borers. Black ash trees are long-lived, native trees that grow 30' to 50' high. Sadly, ash trees aren't recommended for planting in some areas because they often succumb to emerald ash borers.

Why are ash trees valuable?

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.

Where do blue ash trees grow?

Fraxinus quadrangulata, the blue ash, is a species of ash native primarily to the Midwestern United States from Oklahoma to Michigan, as well as the Bluegrass region of Kentucky and the Nashville Basin region of Tennessee.

What is blue ash known for?

The City of Blue Ash is home to a wide variety of restaurants, including Summit Park favorites Senate, Brown Dog Cafe, TAHONA Kitchen + Bar and Nanny Belle's Ice cream. Blue Ash also has popular microbreweries Fretboard Brewing Company and Queen City Brewery.

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 to have?

Ecosystem Restoration. Ash trees are special because they can restore natural systems. They readily colonize riparian areas where their roots help stabilize stream banks, their leaves feed both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, and their branches provide shade and nesting sites for many animals.

Where is blue ash native to?

Fraxinus quadrangulata, commonly called blue ash, is native from Michigan south to Arkansas and Tennessee. In Missouri, it typically occurs in dry rocky woodlands, limestone glades and limestone bluffs in the Ozark region of the State (Steyermark).

Is there a male or female ash tree?

Ash trees have male and female flowers on separate trees and only the female flowers develop into fruits. Purchasing male trees will prevent you from having to deal with the fruits which can be a bit of a nuisance near a walkway.

What trees are mistaken for ash trees?

Several tree have bark that is easily confused with ash. Oak, Norway maple, and elm are commonly mistaken for ash when looking at bark textures.

Can dead ash trees be used for lumber?

Emerald ash borers don't damage the interior of ash trees at all. So, if the tree is at least 12 inches wide and 6 feet long, turn it into lumber for your own use or sell it.

Is ash a good firewood?

Ash: One of the best woods for a steady fire and good heat. Although ash will burn when green, it burns better when seasoned. Birch: This wood smells great and has good heat, but it burns quickly.

Should ash trees be cut down?

DO NOT cut ash trees or ash-dominated hedgerows during the bird-nesting season if this can be avoided. Spore production from diseased ash leaves is highest during the summer, so disturbance of trees during this time might also increase dispersal as well as disturbing protected wildlife.

How deep are the roots of an ash tree?

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.

How long do ash trees live?

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.

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.

Do ash trees spread easily?

Ash is a tree that grows quite fast, and, in time, the trunk can grow to a width of over 3 feet (1 meter).