| Arizona ash trees (Fraxinus velutina) are quite | | | | structural failure. It is best to establish one central |
| common to Arizona, and are well adapted to the | | | | trunk while the tree is still young. Before planting a |
| sunny climate here. In fact, many other types of | | | | new ash tree, be sure your yard is big enough. |
| ash trees grow in Arizona as well. There are over | | | | Ash are large trees. While most mature ash trees |
| 65 species of ash trees. Wikipedia lists many ash | | | | reach about 40 to 50 feet in height, some can be |
| trees according to regions where they are found. | | | | over 80 feet tall, and all tend to have a full, round |
| Be aware that there are other woody plants that | | | | canopy. |
| have "ash" in their name (such as mountain ash | | | | Arizona ash trees, like many other plants, are |
| and prickly ash), but are not of the genus | | | | susceptible to various pests and diseases. These |
| Fraxinus, and so are not ash varieties at all. Below | | | | include cankering, mildews and various fungal |
| is a list of some of the Arizona ash tree varieties, | | | | infections, leaf scorch, rust diseases, and pests |
| which is by no means comprehensive: | | | | such as mites, webworms, carpenter worms, and |
| - Green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) - also called | | | | borers. Ash trees are particularly vulnerable to |
| 'swamp ash' or 'water ash' | | | | Verticillium wilt, which is a soil-borne fungus. In |
| - Raywood ash (Fraxinus oxycarpa) | | | | some parts of the country (primarily the |
| - Shamel ash, (Fraxinus uhdei) - also called 'tropical | | | | midwest), the emerald ash borer has killed many |
| ash' | | | | tens of thousands of ash trees. Luckily, Arizona |
| - Fantex ash, (Fraxinus velutina) - also called the | | | | ash tree varieties have not yet been affected by |
| 'Rio Grande ash' | | | | the destructive emerald ash borer (read more |
| - Littleleaf ash (Fraxinus greggii) | | | | about this pest at [ Trees that endure poor |
| - Arizona ash (Fraxinus velutina) - known | | | | environmental conditions are more vulnerable to |
| commonly as 'velvet ash' or 'modesto ash' | | | | these problems, so it is important to keep the |
| - Singleleaf ash (Fraxinus anomala) | | | | tree's defenses up by watering and fertilizing |
| - Goodding ash (Fraxinus gooddingii) | | | | adequately. |
| - Fragrant ash (Fraxinus cuspidata) | | | | In your effort to maintain your Arizona ash tree, |
| - Chihuahua ash (Fraxinus papillosa) | | | | I encourage researching according to its species, |
| The Arizona ash tree has many positive features, | | | | because there is a surprising array of unique |
| but along with those come some drawbacks. | | | | qualities attributed to each. There is a series of |
| Horticulturist Calvin R. Finch, Ph.D., has labeled the | | | | several hundred tree fact sheets for species of |
| Arizona ash a 'trash tree' because of its life span | | | | trees and shrubs, written by Edward F. Gilman |
| of only about 25-30 years, among other reasons. | | | | and Dennis G. Watson, both professors at the |
| Ash trees are deciduous, which means they shed | | | | University of Florida. These are a good source of |
| their leaves at the end of the growing season. | | | | basic information about the specific trees you |
| Many types of trees are considered messy, and | | | | may wish to learn more about. They are provided |
| the ash tree is no exception. Most ash trees, | | | | in part by the Forest Service and U.S. |
| fortunately, limit their leaf drop to a two-week | | | | Department of Agriculture. |
| period. Most ash trees also produce seedlings, | | | | If they are maintained well, ash trees are very |
| either all year round or only once per year but in | | | | lush and beautiful. On the other hand, ash trees |
| great numbers depending on their gender and | | | | that are uncared for easily become an eyesore |
| species. With an ash tree, you must learn to | | | | and much more likely to be host to various pests |
| enjoy raking at least once in a while if you prefer | | | | and tree diseases. While certain varieties of ash |
| a tidy yard. | | | | are fairly drought resistant, most require plenty of |
| The majority of ash species are fast growing | | | | water. Flood irrigation will provide the best setting |
| trees. While rapid growth makes for quick shade, | | | | for an ash tree. If your yard is not irrigated, it is |
| it also presents drawbacks. Fast growing trees | | | | best to mimic flood irrigation with the garden hose |
| tend to develop surface roots. Although the roots | | | | by deep-watering once or twice per month. If |
| of ash trees often grow close to the surface, | | | | you live in Arizona and have an ash tree in your |
| they are usually tolerant of a both alkaline and | | | | yard that you hope to keep healthy and looking |
| rocky soils However, as described by Watson and | | | | nice, be prepared to cringe when you look at the |
| Gilman in their Fact Sheet about the green ash | | | | monthly water bill. You may also want to fertilize |
| tree, these surface roots can "become a nuisance | | | | your ash trees regularly. Putting mulch down |
| as they lift curbs, sidewalks and make mowing | | | | around the tree is also beneficial for two reasons: |
| difficult." Finch is quick to point out another | | | | it will not only enrich the soil as the organic matter |
| downside to the rapid growth typical of most ash | | | | breaks down, but the mulch will also retain |
| trees: "unless you prune it on a regular basis it can | | | | moisture from the watering to keep the soil wet |
| become a tangled mess with frequent branch | | | | longer. |
| dieback." Plan to trim ash trees at least every | | | | Though they are not especially easy to take care |
| few years to promote a healthy branch structure | | | | of, it is worth the effort to keep each ash tree in |
| and keep its canopy from becoming too dense. | | | | your yard healthy. In return for your service, |
| Otherwise, there can be weak growth that is | | | | they will provide plenty of lovely shade. A healthy |
| prone to breaking. It is not a good idea to allow | | | | Arizona ash tree will most certainly enhance the |
| multiple trunks, as this will eventually lead to | | | | beauty of your yard. |