Arizona Ash Tree

The Arizona Ash Tree

Ash trees can add great value to any landscape when properly cared for and maintained. Not only are they hardy, drought tolerant trees but they provide ample shade.

What does it look like?

The Arizona Ash Tree (Fraxinus velutina), commonly referred to as velvet ash or leatherleaf ash, is an attractive desert shade tree known for its quick growth rate and beautiful leaves. A medium-sized deciduous species, it can reach 30ft in height with proper care, offering shade for both your backyard or commercial property. With their green leaves sporting fuzzy undersides that measure three to six inches long that feature finely serrated margins. Come fall time, they transform into stunning flaming yellow orange colors; you won't miss them again!

This tree's bark is dark gray and smooth, revealing large lenticels as it matures. The branches are moderately wide and crooked and produce small clusters of male and female flowers in spring; later in autumn these female blooms mature into paddle-shaped, winged samara that are dispersed by wind or birds.

Where in Arizona is it found?

Arizona Ash, more commonly referred to as velvet or desert ash, is an easily maintained native shade tree in our climate that thrives with regular watering and pruning. It provides beautiful fall color changes while being relatively allergy free and can grow fairly rapidly over time with proper attention and maintenance.

Ash trees may adapt well to Arizona climate, yet are susceptible to certain diseases and pests such as fungal infections, mildews, rust diseases and leaf scorch. Mites, webworms borers and carpenter worms also pose threats. Mites in particular may carry Verticillium Wilt which is a soil-borne fungal pathogen capable of rapidly killing them within days.

Arizona ash trees may not be one of the easiest trees to care for, but it's well worth your while due to their shade-providing ability and stunning fall color. By taking steps such as adding mulch around its base and improving soil quality, you can ensure it continues to flourish for many years to come.

Is this a good tree to have?

Arizona native shade trees make an excellent addition to any landscape. Their fast growth rate makes them perfect for turning an uninspiring yard into a flourishing oasis in no time at all. Their rounded canopy offers ample protection from hot summer sun while their leaves turn brilliant shades of gold during fall foliage season.

But trees can be challenging to care for. They're vulnerable to pests and diseases which, left unchecked, could pose significant damage. Regular pruning and watering will help combat this threat and mitigate problems caused by them.

Arizona ash trees are somewhat resilient drought-tolerants that require regular moisture. When choosing a location to plant one, make sure it receives full sunlight to partial shade with well-draining soil. Water deeply and regularly to help establish strong roots on your Arizona ash plant.

Arizona ash trees produce large volumes of debris, such as leaves, twigs, and seed pods. Furthermore, they are susceptible to limb failure, thus it's important to plant them far enough from sidewalks or structures and surface roots can form which present potential tripping hazards; to combat this situation a regular inspection and pruning performed by qualified professionals is advised.

How to keep the tree alive and healthy

Arizona ash trees can become susceptible to fungal disease in hot, humid conditions. Pruning and regular maintenance by a Certified Arborist are recommended in order to minimize this risk and keep the tree healthy over time. Early trimming, particularly during its first 15 years of existence is especially important, as this helps avoid limb failure caused by poor branch structures which become susceptible to fungal infection or insect borers that cause further complications, potentially leading to early death of branches.

Professional root pruning should be performed annually to remove surface roots and encourage root depth, creating more room under your tree while decreasing the chance of girdling roots or suckers.

Since these trees only live 20-30 years, it's best to take steps to extend their lifespan as much as possible by preventing issues from occurring. Ash trees are susceptible to anthracnose fungus that causes spring leaf drop and cankers on trunk and branches as well as Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), an invasive beetle that's slowly killing trees across America.

People love Arizona Ash trees

Arizona ash trees may only live a relatively short lifespan, yet with proper care can make an invaluable addition to your property. Native shade trees such as Arizona ashes bring life and texture into any landscape with their dark green leaves and strong structures. Just remember the tradeoff between their benefits versus cost before making a decision about which ash species you will grow!

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