How Fast Do White Ash Trees Grow and How to Help Them Thrive

White ash (Fraxinus americana) trees are splendid deciduous trees native to eastern North America. They have spectacular fall colour and highly prized timber. White ash trees can be valuable additions to landscapes if they are properly maintained.

In this guide, we discuss everything you need to know about white ash trees, including their growth rate, care, and more.

Growth Rate of White Ash Trees

If you’re wondering “how fast do white ash trees grow,” you’ll be pleased to know they’re considered moderate to fast growers. Young white ash trees typically grow between 12-24 inches per year under ideal conditions. Once established, they can reach heights of 50-80 feet with a spread of 40-50 feet at maturity.

Several factors influence their growth rate:

• Soil quality
• Available sunlight
• Moisture levels
• Climate conditions
• Presence or absence of pests and diseases

When planted in optimal conditions with proper care, white ash trees can grow impressively fast for large shade trees, often adding 2 feet of height annually during their first 10 years.

Where Do White Ash Trees Grow?

Understanding where white ash trees naturally thrive can help you determine if they’re suitable for your property. So where do white ash trees grow best? These versatile trees are native to eastern North America, from Nova Scotia west to Minnesota and south to Florida and Texas.

White ash trees prefer:

• Moist, well-drained, fertile soils
• Full sun to partial shade exposure
• USDA hardiness zones 3-9

If you’re wondering “where do ash trees grow” in general, the answer varies by species. While white ash is predominantly an eastern species, other ash varieties have different native ranges. Black ash prefers wetter sites, while green ash tolerates drier conditions.

White Ash Tree Seed and Reproduction

The white ash tree fruit, botanically known as a samara, contains the seeds needed for reproduction. These distinctive paddle-shaped fruits hang in clusters and feature a wing that allows them to be dispersed by wind when mature.

White ash tree seeds have some interesting characteristics:

• They require cold stratification (exposure to cold temperatures) to break dormancy
• Seeds typically germinate in spring after spending winter on the forest floor
• Seed production cycles vary, with heavy crops every 2-3 years
• Seeds can remain viable in soil for several years

If you’re interested in growing white ash from seed, collect the white ash tree fruit in fall when it begins to turn brown but before it falls from the tree. Allow it to dry, then store it in cold, moist conditions for 2-3 months before planting.

White Ash Wood: A Valuable Resource

White ash wood flooring is highly sought after for its beautiful grain pattern and excellent durability. The wood’s light color, straight grain, and shock-resistant properties make it ideal for:

• Flooring applications
• Furniture making
• Baseball bats
• Tool handles
• Sporting equipment

White ash wood flooring offers several advantages:

• Attractive light honey to pale brown color
• Excellent shock resistance
• Good dimensional stability
• Takes stains and finishes well
• Comparable hardness to oak

The value of white ash wood has unfortunately contributed to overharvesting in some regions, making responsible cultivation of these trees even more important.

Tips for Helping White Ash Trees Thrive

To maximize the growth rate and health of your white ash trees:

1. Choose the right location: Plant in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade.
2. Proper planting: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but of equal depth. Backfill with native soil and water thoroughly.
3. Watering schedule: Young trees need regular watering for the first 2-3 years. Provide deep watering once weekly during dry periods.
4. Mulching: Apply 2-4 inches of mulch around the base, keeping it several inches away from the trunk.
5. Fertilization: Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring if soil tests indicate deficiencies.
6. Pruning: Remove dead or damaged branches in late winter while the tree is dormant.
7. Pest management: Monitor for signs of emerald ash borer (EAB), a devastating invasive pest. Consider preventative treatments in areas where EAB is present.
8. Disease prevention: Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.

Conservation Concerns

The emerald ash borer has devastated ash populations across North America since its introduction in the early 2000s. If you’re considering planting white ash, be aware of this threat and consult with local forestry officials about current recommendations and management options.

Some conservation efforts include:

• Treating valuable specimen trees with systemic insecticides
• Participating in monitoring programs
• Maintaining diverse tree species in landscapes
• Supporting research into resistant ash varieties

Conclusion

White ash trees combine commendable growth rates, valuable wood, and aesthetic beauty. Knowing where white ash trees grow natively, and the best conditions in which to grow them, and care for them, will help your white ash trees achieve their maximum potential. Even if you are only interested in growing white ash trees for harvesting seed, enjoying their shade, or finally harvesting wood and building white ash wood flooring in the future, these magnificent trees are worthy of your time and effort.

I hope this article can help you grow healthy white ash trees that reach their best growth rates, and give beauty and benefits for years to come!