How to Trim Ash Trees
There are over 65 species of ash trees (several common species are the blue ash, European ash, green ash and white ash). Ash trees can range in size from small to extremely tall and large. They are often used as a shade tree. Ash trees will require pruning to remove dead, damaged or diseased branches, to remove branches for safety reasons, or to control size within your landscape design (clearance under the tree or width of the tree).
Cut away damaged or diseased branches or limbs as soon as possible. Make a clean cut. Clean cuts ensure the health of the tree as ragged or torn edges provide an entryway for pests and disease. This can be done at any time of the year--the tree does not have to be in its dormant stage.
- There are over 65 species of ash trees (several common species are the blue ash, European ash, green ash and white ash).
- Clean cuts ensure the health of the tree as ragged or torn edges provide an entryway for pests and disease.
Trim for safety reasons and to control the size (width) of the ash tree by cutting off selected branches or limbs. Locate the branch collar (this is on the underside of the branch where it connects to the trunk) and the branch bark ridge (this is on the topside of the branch where it connects to the trunk). Cut right in front of the branch bark ridge and the branch collar. Do not cut into the branch collar or branch bark ridge. This can be done in early spring or late fall when the tree is dormant.
Visually inspect the crown of your tree. Remove deadwood and crossover branches. Tree professionals call this “thinning of the crown.” Thinning is generally performed on a mature tree by a professional tree service. Arborists can determine what branches need to be cut without damaging the appearance, health or integrity of the tree. Tree service professionals are also accustomed to working at the required heights, and they have the necessary equipment for the job. This can be done in early spring or late fall.
- Trim for safety reasons and to control the size (width) of the ash tree by cutting off selected branches or limbs.
Cut away any suckers; these are shoots that appear at the base of the tree or any that you see growing from the roots. (These shoots take away valuable nutrients from the tree.) You can do this at any time. Shoots generally appear during the growing season.
Tip
Disinfect your cutting blades after removing diseased branches by dipping them in either bleach or alcohol. Never put diseased branches in your compost bin.
It is important to remove any deadwood or crossover branches from the crown of the tree. This allows the wind to move freely through the crown of the tree, which is extremely important during a storm--you will be less likely to incur damaged branches due to the storm.
Warning
Do not prune branches that are close to electrical wires--call the electric company for removal.
Know when to call a professional--never try to prune high branches or branches that may fall and damage property when cut.
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References
Tips
- Disinfect your cutting blades after removing diseased branches by dipping them in either bleach or alcohol. Never put diseased branches in your compost bin.
- It is important to remove any deadwood or crossover branches from the crown of the tree. This allows the wind to move freely through the crown of the tree, which is extremely important during a storm--you will be less likely to incur damaged branches due to the storm.
Warnings
- Do not prune branches that are close to electrical wires--call the electric company for removal.
- Know when to call a professional--never try to prune high branches or branches that may fall and damage property when cut.
Writer Bio
Paula M. Ezop’s inspirational column "Following the Spiritual Soul" appeared in "Oconee Today," a Scripps Howard publication. She has published her first book, "SPIRITUALITY for Mommies," and her children's chapter book, "The Adventures of Penelope Star," will be published by Wiggles Press. Ezop has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northeastern Illinois University and has been writing for 10 years.
