Attack of the Ash

Ruby · Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 9:14 pm Post subject: Attack of the Ash

Our back garden is covered in young Ash trees - it's hard to pull them out and some have in. I've noticed that the entire length of road is home to these buggers so are we condemned to an Ash forrest?

Is there a way of telling which tree is female?

michael brenock · Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 9:35 pm Post subject:

the ash tree is monoecious having both sexes on one plant. There must be a very productive tree or trees near you. The weathermust be fine at flowering time for pollination to take place. Many people would be glad of those seedlings to transplant in the Autumn.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

Ruby · Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2011 12:17 pm Post subject:

Thanks Michael,

So it's an unfortunate combination of weather and productive trees? Our flower beds are destroyed by the seedlings so I've been turned off this tree. Hopefully, it was just freak conditions last year...

tippben · Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2011 12:25 pm Post subject:

The only real solution is vigilance, I'm afraid. Try to remove as many ash "keys" as you can over the autumn and winter, before they germinate. In the spring, pull up the little seedlings before they get a chance to root deeply. I have a similar problem with sycamore!

Sive · Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2011 2:47 pm Post subject:

How about a bit of guerilla gardening, Ruby ? Pop them into local hedges and ditches, or offer the seedlings to friends who have space for one or two. They're beautiful trees and make good firewood too.

kindredspirit · Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2011 4:40 pm Post subject:

Personally I think Ash are weeds and if I see any seedlings I pull them up and stomp on them. Evil or Very Mad

medieval knievel · Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2011 6:21 pm Post subject:

well, weeds depending on where the seeds land. they're a fine tree.

Geranimus · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 09 May 2007 Posts: 3

Why not turn this problem into an asset? They are indeed valuable trees. Pulling them is no good, you need a spade. Dig them out and plant them in a dedicated spot. Keep them for two years and sell them on as hardy slips. Those growing for the hurley making are always replenishing their plantations. Nurseries might also buy some if they have a good shape.

Greengage · Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2011 5:03 pm Post subject:

A challange, grow them on if you like bet you wont be able to give them away never mind sell them, If your over 40 forget about the hurleys you wont see them.