deciduous tree
Green Ash: pruning, storm risk and removal
Fraxinus pennsylvanica. Also called Red ash, Swamp ash, Water ash.
Plain-English notes for homeowners, plus field notes for tree crews. General guidance only: for one specific tree, have a local insured pro look at it.
Green Ash at a glance
| Height | 50-70 ft |
|---|---|
| Spread | 30-50 ft |
| Growth rate | Fast |
| USDA zones | 3-9 |
| Lifespan | Typically 60-100 years |
| Type | Deciduous |
| Native range | Eastern and central North America, from Nova Scotia west to the Great Plains and south to Florida and Texas. It grows well along streams and in wet bottomlands. |
| Roots | Shallow to medium, spreading and fibrous. Tolerates wet soil, compaction and some flooding. Roots can lift sidewalks and driveways when the tree is planted in a narrow strip. |
| Wood | Hard, heavy and tough, but it becomes brittle and dry after the tree dies. Good firewood. Dead ash dries out quickly and can be hard on saw chains and dangerous to climb. |
| Storm risk | mediumThe wood is fairly strong when the tree is healthy. Trees killed by emerald ash borer get brittle fast, and dead ash limbs and tops can break in wind or drop without warning. |
Typical ranges, not guarantees. Soil, water, space and care change how a tree grows. Storm risk is our general rating for the species, not an inspection.
For homeowners
Caring for a green ash
Best time to prune
Late fall through winter, while the tree is dormant. Remove dead, crossing and weak limbs. Check local rules on moving ash wood, since many areas limit it because of emerald ash borer.
Avoid pruning
Avoid heavy pruning in spring and summer when insects are flying and sap is moving. Never top it. Do not leave fresh stubs open for long in an area with active pests.
More on timing: when to prune trees.
- If you have an ash and live in an area with emerald ash borer, ask a certified arborist whether the tree is a good candidate for treatment while it is still healthy.
- Thinning crowns, small D-shaped holes in the bark and woodpecker damage are common warning signs. Do not wait for the tree to be fully dead.
- A dead ash near a house, car or power line is a hazard. Get two or three written quotes from insured pros.
- Do not move ash firewood far from where you cut it. This can spread the borer.
Safety first
Do not climb a tree or use a chainsaw on storm-loaded or broken wood. If a tree or limb is touching power lines, stay away and call the utility. If someone is in danger, call 911. For anything big, hire a local insured pro: read how to hire a tree service and is my tree dangerous?
Lirevon does not do tree work. Find local pros on Google Maps and read their reviews, then get two or three written quotes.
For tree crews
Field notes: working on green ash
- 1Treat any ash with thin crowns or woodpecker flecking as unsafe to climb until you have checked it. Dead ash can fail with little warning.
- 2Use a lift, crane or rigging from the ground when you can on dead ash.
- 3Know your state and county rules on ash wood movement and chip disposal before you haul.
- 4Dry ash wood is very hard on chains. Keep spare sharp chains in the truck.
- 5Green ash makes good firewood, which can help offset the cost of removal jobs.
Removal notes
In areas with emerald ash borer, many green ash are now dead, dying or being treated. Dead ash gets brittle quickly, so limbs can snap during climbing or rigging. Many crews use a lift or crane on dead ash instead of climbing. Plan for a lot of dry, heavy wood, and check your state's rules on moving ash logs and firewood.
Wood
Hard, heavy and tough, but it becomes brittle and dry after the tree dies. Good firewood. Dead ash dries out quickly and can be hard on saw chains and dangerous to climb.
Pricing this job? Try the tree job estimator. Follow your own safety plan and crew training on every job.
Common problems for green ash
Pests and diseases to watch for. Each link explains signs and what to do.
Trees often mistaken for it
Check the leaves, bark and shape before you decide how to prune or treat.
Where green ash grows
Native range: Eastern and central North America, from Nova Scotia west to the Great Plains and south to Florida and Texas. It grows well along streams and in wet bottomlands.
Common in these US regions. Tap one to see other trees there.
Free tools for this tree
They run in your browser and nothing is sent anywhere. Results are estimates.
Green Ash: common questions
What is wrong with my green ash tree?
In much of the US, emerald ash borer is the most common cause of decline. Signs include thin or dying tops, D-shaped exit holes, new shoots from the trunk and woodpecker damage. Other causes include drought, root damage and fungal leaf spots, so have a certified arborist look at it.
Can an ash tree be saved from emerald ash borer?
Often yes, if it is treated while it still has most of its healthy crown. Treatments are usually repeated every one to three years depending on the product. Trees that have lost much of their canopy are less likely to recover. Ask an arborist for an honest opinion.
How fast does green ash grow?
It grows fast when young, often 1 to 2 feet a year in good conditions. This is one reason it was planted so widely along streets and in new neighborhoods.
Is green ash dangerous when it is dead?
It can be. Dead ash dries and turns brittle quickly, so limbs and even the whole top can break without warning. Keep people and vehicles away from dead ash and call a licensed, insured tree service.
What is the difference between green ash and white ash?
They look alike. Green ash leaves are often a little shinier and its leaf scars are more straight across, while white ash has a more notched, U-shaped leaf scar and lighter underside on the leaves. White ash tends to prefer better-drained soil, and green ash handles wet soil better.
Can I burn ash firewood?
Ash is a good firewood once seasoned. Dead ash dries fast. Many areas ask you not to move ash wood far because of emerald ash borer, so burn it near where it was cut and check local rules.
More trees in the same regions
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