How Quickly Do Ash Trees Grow?
Ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) Are opposite-leaved hardwoods indigenous to North America, Europe and Asia. These fast-growing trees have been grown for wood and firewood due to their dense wood and short time to maturity. They also make exceptional ornamental specimens and street trees in sunny areas with moist, well-drained soil. The growing speed of individual ash trees varies somewhat based on species and growing conditions.
Natural Germination Time
Members of this Ash genus produce winged seed pods known as “keys,” which ripen in early to mid autumn. These seeds don’t become viable until after they have been soaked and experienced a period of cool to cold temperatures. In nature, most ash seeds take 18 months to germinate if kept moist, but they can stay viable for up to six years if conditions are unfavorable.
Seed Stratification
It is possible to accelerate ash tree seed increase by stratifying the seeds in a fridge. This method involves putting the seeds in moist paper towels or mud and leaving them in temperatures of about 40 degrees Fahrenheit for 60 to 90 days. After stratification, seeds have to be set in a location where daytime temperatures are about 85 degrees Fahrenheit and night temperatures are close to 70 degrees. Seeds usually germinate in two months after stratification.
Average Growth Rate
Trees of this Ash species have been classified as moderately rapidly growing because of their capacity to grow between 18 and 25 feet in one decade. Some species, such as European ash (Fraxinus excelsior), grow slightly more slowly, reaching a little less than 18 feet in ten years. Most species average about 2 feet of growth per year for the first part of the life when planted as ornamentals, but they grow more slowly when used in a row with different trees.
Period to Maturity
Not all of ash trees reach maturity in the same moment. Soil quality, light availability and many different elements can slow or speed an ash’s growth rate. On average, but these trees grow to be between 40 and 60 feet at maturity, with a few species reaching 80 feet in height. Increasing to full size takes an ash tree anywhere from 16 to 60 years, based on species and environmental problems.
Growth Rate Vs. Lifespan
The relatively quick growth rate of ash species makes them a frequent selection for use in home landscapes, particularly for regions with new structure. Fast-growing trees aren’t always beneficial, nevertheless. A higher growth rate can produce more weak spots in the wood and tends to restrict the tree’s overall lifespan. While ash trees become appealing landscape and street specimens relatively quickly, they can lose limbs easily in stormy conditions or high winds.