In the eastern United States and Canada, the white ash tree (Fraxinus Americana) can be found, ranging from Nova Scotia to Minnesota, Texas, and Florida. During the fall, these large, beautiful, branching shade trees transform into a stunning array of reds and purples.
With wooden baseball bats, you’re likely to have come across white ash wood. North America’s easternmost region is home to the white ash tree (Fraxinus Americana). The pale undersides of its otherwise dark green leaves, which turn a rich red, yellow, or purple in the fall, give this tree its name. The tree’s bark is a grayish-brown color. White ashes begin life as pyramids, but as they mature, they take on a more rounded shape and grow to be quite tall. When is the best time to plant white ash? In the early autumn.
Tree Facts about the White Ash
A white ash tree takes a long time to mature. The trees have a lifespan of up to 200 years if the disease doesn’t take its toll. They grow about 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 centimeters) per year at a moderate pace. They can grow to a height of 50 to 80 feet (15 to 24 meters) and a width of 40 to 50 feet (12 to 15 meters) when fully grown.
Trees that have a single trunk tend to be dense and pyramidal in appearance. Their branching habits make them ideal for shading. There are 8-15-inch (20-38 cm) long clusters of smaller leaflets on the compound leaves. These leaves turn a stunning reddish-purple in the autumn.
Purple flowers give way to 1- to 2-inch long samaras, or single seeds, covered in papery wings, in the spring.
Taking Care of an Ash Tree
An abundance of white ash trees can be found along waterways in North American hardwood forests. They are excellent large shade trees that can be found lining city streets because of their ability to withstand urban environments. Ideally, they should be planted in a location that receives a lot of sunlight and is rich in nutrients. Choosing the right location for your tree’s planting is essential to its long-term well-being.
In general, white ash trees require little to no care. Every year, fertilize and prune, as well as prune problem areas like broken branches if necessary Keep the soil at least moderately moist by watering as needed. And keep an eye out for signs of illness, which should be treated immediately.
Light
Trees of the white ash variety thrive in full sun. A location with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day is ideal.
Soil
Organically rich loam soil with good drainage is ideal for these trees. Neutral to slightly alkaline soil is ideal.
Water
White ash trees prefer a steady supply of water in the soil (but not sogginess due to poor drainage). They can withstand a certain amount of drought, but a tree can be damaged if the drought continues for an extended period of time. To keep the soil moist, water them during dry spells.
Humidity and Temperature
The USDA’s growing zones 3 to 9 are ideal for white ash trees. Temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius can be tolerated by the trees, but extremely cold winters can cause damage. Strong winds are not a problem for mature, healthy trees because they prefer to be in a sheltered location away from the elements. If the soil is well-drained, humidity is not a problem for white ash trees.
Fertilizer
An annual application of fertilizer to white ash trees in the fall is a good idea. All-purpose tree fertilizer is recommended. Once you’ve applied it according to the label’s instructions, water it into the soil.
There are numerous kinds of ash trees that are white in color.
White ash trees come in a variety of varieties, such as:
Autumn Applause: In the fall, the leaves turn a vibrant maroon color, and the tree’s branches are particularly dense.
Chicago Regal: During the fall, the leaves of this variety turn a vibrant shade of purple.
Greenspire: The leaves of this tree turn a deep orange in the fall, and it grows narrowly and upright.
Pruning
Both the tree’s growth and health can be improved with proper white ash tree pruning. Pruning is best done in the fall when the leaves are beginning to fall. Trees that are less than a few years old should only be pruned once or twice a year.
As a tree grows, it is common to see multiple trunks known as leaders. To ensure strong, upright growth, only leave the strongest branches. On both young and old trees, remove any thin branches in the fall so that the tree can better distribute its natural moisture. Also, remove any branches that are damaged, diseased, or dead as you see them. You should check with your local cooperative extension office to see if there are any special disposal procedures for diseased parts.
Typical Insects and Diseases
Because of the emerald ash borer, most gardening experts advise against planting white ash trees (often seen abbreviated as EAB). First discovered in the Midwestern United States in 2002, it is an Asian beetle that has since spread throughout the country. Several states and parts of Canada have since been infected. The emerald ash borer can kill a tree in just a few years after it becomes infected. Under the bark, it burrows into the wood and feeds. Because ash trees lack resistance to the pest, it is estimated that millions have been killed in North America thus far. Eradication methods are typically unsuccessful.
Two indicators of emerald ash borer infestation are dead leaves and early fall leaf coloration. The crown of the tree may also be littered with dead branches and sprouting new leaves. The tree is trying to produce more leaves to aid in photosynthesis, as evidenced by the presence of these new shoots. A fully developed beetle boring out of the tree will leave D-shaped holes in the tree, which can be seen as a warning sign. Other lesions on the tree may indicate the presence of beetle larvae feeding on the tree’s sapwood and other tissues. Consult a professional arborist if you notice any of these warning signs on your tree.
