How to Grow and Care for Arizona Ash Tree

What is Arizona ash tree and how does it differ from other ashes? Desert ash, smooth ash, leather-leaf ash, velvet ash, and Fresno ash are some of the other names for this elegant-looking tree, which may also be found in the scientific literature. Arizona ash, which is native to the southern United States and parts of Mexico, can be grown in USDA plant hardiness zones 7 through 11.Continue reading to find out more about cultivating Arizona ash trees.

The Arizona ash tree (Fraxinus velutina), sometimes known as the velvet ash, may grow to be 50 feet tall and has a spreading canopy. Water-logging, pollution from the city, and poorly draining soil are all examples of settings in which the tree does very well. Because numerous trunks often develop on the Arizona ash tree as it grows to a considerable size, serious breaking is likely when the tree reaches a mature size. This weakens the tree’s base and causes a split to occur.

Early trimming, particularly during the tree’s first 15 years of existence, is critical in preventing this dangerous situation. Unfortunately, the tree is also prone to insect borers, which may cause the wood to become even more weakened and ultimately lead to the tree’s premature death.

Arizona ash tree facts

The Arizona ash (Fraximus velutina) is a tall, majestic tree with a circular canopy of deep green leaves that grows erect and stately. It has a very limited lifespan, but with careful care, it may live for up to 50 years. Arizona ash may grow to heights of 40 to 50 feet (12–15 meters) and widths of 30 to 40 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters) (9–12 m).

Early in their lives, young Arizona ash trees have smooth, light gray bark that becomes rougher, darker, and more textured as the tree becomes older. This deciduous tree offers excellent summer shade, and its vivid golden-yellow leaves appear in the autumn or early winter, depending on where it is planted.

The best way to grow an Arizona Ash tree

Young trees need to be watered on a regular basis. Following that, Arizona ash is reasonably drought-tolerant, although it works best when watered on a regular basis during hot, dry weather conditions. The dirt is great as it is. An inch or two of mulch will help to keep the soil wet, regulate the soil temperature, and keep weeds under control. Keep mulch from building up against the trunk, since this may entice rats to eat the bark of your tree.

Arizona ash requires full sun, although it may be sensitive to excessive desert heat and hence requires a dense canopy of foliage to offer shade. Although pruning is seldom required, it is a good idea to check with a professional if you believe that pruning is required. The Arizona ash tree is susceptible to sun-scald if the canopy is too thin.

Feeding your Arizona ash tree once a year with a slow-release dry fertilizer, especially in the fall, will be an important part of your tree’s maintenance.

In warm, humid conditions, Arizona ash is more susceptible to fungal disease. The fungus causes harm to tiny, fresh leaves and may even defoliate a tree when it appears in the spring. However, it is not fatal, and the tree will usually recover and grow stronger the next year.

Caring for an Arizona Ash Tree

Regularly rake all of the leaves and twigs up from beneath the Arizona ash tree. Remove all of the leaves from the regions surrounding the tree during the winter months. When it comes to anthracnose, which damages the leaves of the tree and causes it to lose foliage fast, the Arizona ash is a particularly vulnerable species.

Anthracnose will not destroy the tree, but it will make it seem unattractive because of the way it grows. To keep it under control, remove all of the dead leaves that are a breeding ground for the fungus.

Fertilize the Arizona ash in the spring, summer, and autumn using a 12–12–12 fertilizer to ensure that it grows properly. To apply the product, follow the instructions on the label.

Late February is the best time to prune the Arizona ash tree. Remove any branches that cross over each other. Remove any branches that are dead or damaged. Remove enough branches from the tree to enable light to reach the center of the tree and for air to circulate freely.

The presence of airflow in the tree may help to avoid fungal diseases. When a large number of superfluous branches are removed from the Arizona ash tree on a yearly basis, the tree will be less likely to break when fully grown.

Maintain the health of the Arizona ash tree by giving it regular water and fertilizer to keep borer bug infestations to a minimum. Borers often target trees that have been weakened due to a lack of water or nutrients, among other factors. Damaged branches that have been infested with borer larvae must be removed from the tree as soon as possible. Even after the removal of the diseased branches, the prospects for an Arizona ash afflicted with borers are bleak, according to the experts.

During adult borer activity, spray the tree with permethrin to keep the insects at bay. Application of the systemic pesticide imidacloprid around the base of the tree is highly recommended. When applying both insecticides, be sure to follow the advice on the label carefully.