Ash Tree
Fraxinus excelsior
Scientific Name:
Characteristics:
Ash trees are a common sight in the UK, often found in parks, gardens, and woodlands. They are a deciduous tree, meaning they lose their leaves in the fall, and are known for their distinctive, diamond-shaped leaves and winged seeds, which are commonly called "ash keys."
Ash trees can grow to be quite large, with some specimens reaching heights of up to 40 meters (130 feet). They are generally very hardy and adaptable, and can grow in a variety of soil types and conditions.
Threats:
One of the major threats to ash trees in the UK is the Ash Dieback disease, which is caused by the fungus Chalara fraxinea. The disease attacks the tree's leaves, branches, and trunk, and can ultimately lead to the tree's death. The disease has spread rapidly throughout the UK and Europe in recent years, and has had a significant impact on ash tree populations.
Care:
To care for ash trees, it is important to water them regularly, especially during dry periods, and to provide them with adequate sunlight and nutrients. Pruning can also be beneficial, as it can help to promote healthy growth and remove any dead or damaged branches.
Identification:
To identify an ash tree, look for the following characteristics:
Diamond-shaped leaves with a single central stalk and 5-9 leaflets
Bark that is smooth and pale grey when young, but becomes rougher and darker as the tree ages
Winged seeds, or "ash keys," that are typically produced in large numbers
A distinctive, open canopy with branches that are widely spaced
In addition to these characteristics, you can also look for other signs to help confirm that a tree is an ash. For example:
Ash trees are deciduous, so they will lose their leaves in the fall.
Ash trees are native to the UK, so they are most commonly found in this region.
Ash trees have a strong, upright growth habit and a generally pyramidal shape when young, becoming more open and spreading with age.
If you are still unsure whether a tree is an ash or not, you may want to consider consulting with a local tree expert or doing further research to confirm your identification.