The Common Ash, or European Ash (Fraxinus Excelsior) is one of the most common native British trees. It is easily identifiable because of its distinctive large dark buds and appealing pinnate leaves. Masses of winged fruits are present in late summer, which persists into the next season. Bark of younger branches is somewhat smooth and grey coloured but on older branches it becomes rougher and gnarled. Well-suited to harsh conditions.
Expect a final height of 35m (116ft) although some have grown to over 45m. Trunk diameters are around 2m although others have been measured at 3.5m.
Each tree can be any sex depending when you view it (bit like Paul O Grady) i.e. it can change sex each year.
The light canopy means it casts little shade and it's fast growing time make it suitable for wood burning stoves or Bio fuel coppicing as it gives little or no smoke and the ash is ideal for potash. During World War 2, it was coppiced on a 10-year cycle for fuel and many other uses.
Being a shy tree, it will not show foliage until around May and prior to that, can be identified by the black leaf buds on the ends of branches. Also the first to shed its leave in autumn without showing typical autumnal colours, instead dropping dull green leaves.
Fraxinus Excelsior is the toughest and most flexible wood we have in the UK and is ideal for many purposes. It has more purposes per species than any other UK tree. Used for axe handles, ladders and pool cues to name a few although no good for using as ground posts as it has no natural resistance to decay.
Conditions
The Fraxinus Excelsior tree is noted for attracting wildlife and can grow in light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils so long as they are wet or moist although you should get better results growing this tree in deep loamy soil. Shallow soils over chalk will not get you best results. Soil with a PH of above 5.5 is preferred and does not like dry roots, especially in the spring.
A sun loving tree so do not place in the shade otherwise you will need to buy it some sun bed time and definitely do not cover it with sun tan lotion! Very young plants will likely die in the shade.
Also tolerates pollution and maritime exposure e.g. strong winds.
Generally bizarre stuff
For the alternative living people amongst us, you can use the leaves to make green dye and extract tannin from the bark. Woodland Design Principles
Typically, this Ash is planted in groups of between 10 and 25 trees. This number of trees is ideal for creating a wildlife habitat and a meaningful source of food and shelter. Spacing may vary between 1m (3ft 4in) and 5m (16ft 8in). The aim is to mimic what nature intended and thus avoid artificial lines. Blending of one species into another is suggested although bearing in mind different growth rates. Ash is a key native tree species and along with the many other native, British tree and shrub species we sell will form part of an attractive native woodland.
Rabbit and Deer Protection
We offer a range of tree shelters that will protect your trees against possible attack. Click on this Tree Protection Link and it will take you to all of these products.
Benefits of using our plug plant trees
Our trees are sold as plug plants, in other words the roots are encased in compost. This means that planting can be carried out at any time of the year, provided they are watered in periods of drought, compared to bare-root plants which can only be planted during the plants normal dormant period (November to March). All of these trees are UK grown, which is important for successful establishment.
Wholesale Tree Prices
We will be more than happy to provide quotations on the supply of quantities of 500 or more trees. Please email us at info@trees-online.co.uk
