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Type of root system in ash. Unique physical, mechanical and chemical properties of ash wood

Starting acquaintance with ash, it must be said that it belongs to the olive family, the famous representatives of which are golden forsythia, fragrant jasmine, lilac and other plants. For centuries, ash has been associated with a clear, light wood. And this is fully true, since there is always an excess of sun in ash groves: their openwork leaves provide a sufficient influx of sunlight so that the tree is provided with the most comfortable growing conditions. Therefore, each leaf contributes, opening the way for the sun at the slightest breath of breeze.

Description

Most of the ash is presented as a deciduous tree, although there are a few species that grow as a shrub. Usually it can be found in the Caucasus and Ukraine. In our country, it is represented only in the southern and central regions. This tree includes more than 50 species, and in this list there are also low specimens, as well as luxurious giants 40 m high.

One of well-known representatives ornamental species is griffith ash, whose height is limited to 1.5 m. Advantageously, white ash, which can reach 12 m, differs from it in its size. Most widespread within the framework of this family, an ordinary ash was obtained, which, when the necessary conditions are created for it, can grow up to 30 m, every year covering the soil around it with seeds.

Ash features

A photo of a tree clearly shows how diverse it can be. Ash belongs to the number of light-loving plants. Its main feature is the openwork, which is provided to it by arched branches, an elongated spreading crown and transparent leaves with extremely small gaps. During the year, the plant provides a fairly significant increase in growth, the flowering time comes in April-May, and only after that the leaves begin to appear.

Ash flowers have the appearance of panicles, differ in shade, which can be white, burgundy or purple. Male and female flowers can grow on the same plant at the same time. But here important features of ash appear: male and female flowers grown on the same tree cannot be pollinated, since they differ in ripening time. Because of this, pollen from male flowers does not have time to move to female flowers in time. Therefore, there is a risk of not waiting for the seeds.

Another feature of the tree is that flowers do not have corollas, so they are of little interest to flying insect pollinators. So that this moment does not affect development, it is recommended to plant several ash trees nearby, which will allow them to cross-pollinate. However, this does not apply only to manna ash. Insect pollinators are not indifferent to it, as its flowers contain a corolla.

The tree also differs in its root system, which is usually associated with the growing conditions of the ash tree. Most representatives do not have a tap root, while the root system is located close to the surface. When growing ash in conditions of insufficient moisture, it grows a taproot that forms a large number of horizontal branches that are at the level of groundwater. And if the latter are located no deeper than 1.5 m, then the ash tree will definitely be able to find the moisture it needs for normal development. Among ash trees there are such specimens that can provide themselves with moisture, extracting it at a depth of 3 meters or more.

Ash is perceived by many gardeners as one of the brightest elements of garden and park ensembles, so it is chosen by many when creating landscape design. Decorative properties of wood beyond doubt, in addition to everything, it can provide for a variety of forms. Based on the type of tree, we can distinguish the following types trees:

  • monumental. They have a lush pyramidal crown;
  • weeping. Form long branches that reach the ground;
  • horizontal. In the process of development they form wide flowers, some of which can reach the ground;
  • low spherical, etc.

In ancient times, there was a belief that this tree has the ability to brighten the world around it. This may explain the practice of planting an ash tree near the house, since this tree could maintain peace in the family and ensure its cohesion. Therefore, if you want to see this light tree on your personal plot, then it is time to get acquainted with the features of its landing.

A photo of a tree can make many summer residents want to plant it on their site. Ash feels better in areas that have good lighting and well-drained fertile soil. If there are no special problems with finding a sunny place, then special fertilizers may be required to improve the quality of the soil. First of all, the soil will have to be saturated with calcium. However, care must be taken to ensure that the soil is not waterlogged.

Also, the salinity of the soil has a bad effect on the development of the tree. It is best to choose soil with a neutral or close reaction. It is unacceptable to plant ash on acidic and alkaline soils, since it will not be able to grow well in them.

A suitable place for young trees may be the sunny side of the site. Then in a few years a beautiful hedge will appear at your dacha. You can add even more decorativeness to it if you plant flowering shrubs in autumn.

Ash is one of the long-lived plants and easily forms shoots as a result of seeds entering the soil. Therefore, every year you can get planting material for planting ash in other places. The seeds of this tree look in the form of lanceolate lionfish of an elongated shape which are rounded on one side. The maturity stage is reached in late September-early October. However, it is not recommended to use the seed sowing method to grow an adult ash tree, since this process requires a lot of time and effort. It makes sense to choose a simpler and less time-consuming method - planting seedlings.

Planting seedlings

First of all, it is necessary to dig a hole, which should be 1/3 larger than the size of the earthen clod on the roots of the seedling. The bottom of the hole must be filled with drainage, which can be crushed stone, small pebbles or coarse sand. Take drainage in quantity so that it filled 1/4 of the height of the hole. After planting, the seedling should be located 10-15 cm above the soil level. When the young tree begins to grow, the earth will gradually subside, as a result, the root collar of the ash tree will be equal to the soil level.

Even before planting a young tree, the hole must be moistened. Also, beforehand, along the perimeter of the pit, it is necessary to dig in the supports that are necessary to ensure the vertical position of the seedling and its attachment to them. After completing these steps, you can fill the hole with a pre-prepared soil mixture. In conclusion, it is necessary to slightly compact it.

  • leaf land;
  • humus;
  • sand.

These substances are taken in a ratio of 1:2:1.

When all operations for planting an ash seedling are completed, the near-stem circle must be covered with mulch: it can be peat, sawdust or wood chips. Large plants are recommended to be placed no closer than 5 m from each other. If among the planting material you have seedlings undersized varieties, then they must be placed in such a way that adult specimens do not create a shadow for each other.

After a while you will have planting material in the form of shoots. In the process of development, the tree forms an anchor root system, which is located in a lying position horizontally. The main roots eventually acquire vertical processes, which are the basis for the formation of young shoots. Therefore, having once planted an ash tree in the country, you will always have your own planting material.

If you plant young ash trees in fertile soil, they will quickly increase in size and literally in a year will become 30-40 cm taller. At the same time, they will not require special care.

Since new branches form very quickly in a young ash tree, it can be pruned in relation to it, giving the crown the necessary shape. It is advisable to do this in the spring before flowering. However, even when carrying out this event, you need to know the measure, since too frequent pruning can have a negative effect on and the development of the tree. It is quite another matter if you have to remove dry and broken branches.

Make sure your ash seedlings are provided with all the necessary nutrients. To do this, in the spring, nitrogen-containing fertilizers must be applied to the soil:

  • manure - 2 kg;
  • urea - 15 gr.;
  • calcium and ammonium nitrate - 25 gr. for 20 liters of water.

In autumn, they use nitroammophoska (20 g per 20 liters of water) or Kemira-universal in the same proportion.

Preparing young trees for winter requires mulching. They will need this operation only for the first 2-3 years. Adult specimens usually easily tolerate frosts, unless, of course, weather forecasters promise extraordinary cold winter. However, even in this situation, a solution can be found, since there are special varieties that easily tolerate frosts down to -40 degrees Celsius.

The need for moisture ash experiences during periods of drought, as well as immediately after planting. At the same time, he feels great if he does not water for several days.

Ash diseases

Most often, ash trees affect hay spit (insect pest) or beetle(bark beetle). In this case, the fight against them is carried out using drugs such as kinmiks, uarbofos or karbofos. They need to process ash 2-3 times. Sometimes you can see how individual branches on a tree begin to rot. In this case, you need to remove the damaged areas with a sharp knife, and treat the wounds activated carbon. At the same time, you definitely need to understand why this happened. As possible causes increased soil moisture or frequent fertilization can be considered.

Conclusion

Our ancestors were well acquainted with such a plant as ash, since it was they who often planted it next to their home. If you want to enjoy the view of this tree, for example, on your suburban area, then for this it will be enough for you to get seeds or tree seedlings. However, keep in mind that it is possible to ensure a high survival rate of ash seedlings only if they are planted in a well-lit area where there is fertile soil . You also need to make sure that the plants are placed at the optimal distance from each other. Otherwise, due to a lack of lighting, some plants will not be able to form a sufficiently lush crown.

Ash tree

Ash - amazing tree. It brightens the world around it, not in vain Russian name comes from the word "clear" ... The ash tree lets in a lot of sun, and its forests are airy, it is easy to breathe in them, they are overflowing with light.
In the beliefs of many peoples, the ash tree is the tree of the world axis and symbolizes the divine nature of mankind.
In the view of our ancestors, ash is a tree that connects the world of people and gods, personifying the connection between the past and the future. Ash fruits collected in a brush are like a bunch of keys that can open the door to the future. This is the tree of rebirth and renewal.
IN Ancient Greece ash was considered a symbol of just retribution, which is probably why the goddess of memory and just retribution, Nemesis, was most often depicted by artists with an ash branch in her hand. And the ancient Greek poet Hesiod (VIII-VII centuries BC) in his poem "Works and Days" says that Zeus created the third kind of people of the copper age from a spear shaft, which, ancient Greek gunsmiths carved from ash wood. The people turned out to be harsh, as they were given the warlike spirit that the ash tree absorbed.

In ancient Greece, ash was the same sacred tree Poseidon - god of the sea and brother of Zeus. This cult turned out to be so tenacious that even settlers in the 19th century, moving to America, took ash bark with them so as not to drown.

And in ancient Greece, the cult of the nymphs Melius, the spirits of ash, was just as widespread. All the same Hesiod said that these nymphs appeared from drops of blood of the sky god Uranus.

Ash - the tree of Peace, purity and light among the Scandinavians, the branches of the ash, according to their ancient beliefs, are a ladder to Heaven.

The Vikings called each other esklings, that is, "people of the ash tree." They drew their runes on ash boards. Among the Celts, this is the tree of Odin and at the same time goes back to female deities.

One of the legends of the American Indians says that the first people appeared on an ash tree. An old Lithuanian legend tells that when the gods descended to earth to decide the fate of people, they gathered in the shade of a sprawling ash tree.

Common ash - Fraximus excelsior L. - a tall tree with a wide oval openwork crown from the olive family. The ash tree has a powerful root system, without a tap root. Straight, slender trunk up to 25-45 meters high. The bark on the trunk and old branches is gray and smooth. Young shoots are yellow-gray or greenish. The branches are straight, thick and slightly branched. The kidneys are black, velvety. The leaves are dark green above, lighter below, pinnate, consisting of several leaflets and rather large, up to 40 cm long. Even in the late season of leaf fall, they often remain green.

Common ash blooms in late April - early May, before the leaves appear. The flowers are dark brown or purple, collected in tight panicles, odorless, pollinated by the wind. Female and male flowers are most often found on the same tree.

The fruits are oblong-elliptical lionfish, with a notch at the top and rounded at the base, up to 4 - 4.6 cm long. An oblong flat nut occupies about half the length of the lionfish. The fruits ripen in large quantities in September-October and are often kept in the crown all winter, falling only in early spring.

Ash grows fast. Fruits from 15-17 years. Lives 250-300 years. Adult ash tolerates frost of 40 degrees, and young tree can be damaged by late spring frosts. Such beautiful tree, like an ash tree, will decorate any village, as well as the streets and squares of megacities.

IN wild nature ash grows throughout the European part of Russia, in the Caucasus, in the Crimea, Moldova, Central Asia, prefers to grow on moist, fertile, neutral or similar soils, in floodplains.

Ash has long been used in traditional medicine. The leaves are harvested in the first half of summer in dry weather, slightly dried in the sun and dried in the shade. The bark is harvested during sap flow from trees to be cut down. It is cut into pieces 10-15 cm long and dried in the sun.

Ash leaves contain vitamin C, carotene, rutin, organic acids and their salts, carbohydrates, sucrose, starch, phosphorus, coumarins, tannins. The bark contains glucose, sucrose, sorbitol, bitter phenols, resin, gums. Fruits contain vitamins C, P, B1, fats, protein.

The ancient Greeks and Germans believed that the juice of an ash tree could heal a person bitten by a snake. The famous Roman physician Quintus Serenus Samonicus in the 3rd century AD wrote in the "Medical Book" about the use of ash seeds for the treatment of dropsy, cough, and liver diseases.

Ash preparations have antimicrobial, antipyretic, hemostatic, tonic, astringent, antispasmodic, antitussive and anthelmintic effects. Ash leaves and bark are used to treat diseases of the liver, intestines, urinary organs, diseases respiratory tract, rheumatism, radiculitis, arthritis and as a wound healing agent. Ash seeds were used to treat dropsy, cough, and liver diseases.

Kinesiology - a direction of alternative medicine that appeared in the 70-90s of the last century, uses ash to restore the harmony of the body, mind, spirit, to get rid of phobias, obsessions and fears.

In Russia, hoops, rocker arms, wheels were bent from ash wood, ax handles and beautiful, comfortable dishes with carved patterns were made. Archaeologists discovered such dishes during excavations of ancient Novgorod. Beekeepers still make beehives from ash.

Nowadays, bent and carved furniture, railings, parquet, facing veneer are made from ash wood, propellers of light aircraft, body sides, trim, window frames and car sofas, some parts of looms, butts and beds are cut out. firearms, hunting and combat bows, sports equipment.

For magical purposes, ash is harvested on Midsummer or Peter's Day or on July 23 before the growing moon. Ash is the tree of magicians, wizards and soothsayers. The best sets of divinatory runes are made from its wood. Our ancestors believed that wearing garters made of green ash bark protects against the evil eye, damage and slander. And ash leaves attract love and wealth. They were also placed under the pillow to see prophetic dreams.

Ash contributes to enlightenment, understanding the depth of one's own "I" and its connection with the universe. Meditation under the ash tree, as well as bijouterie and ash jewelry, contribute to maintaining a good physical health help to cope with stress and nervous disorders.

A variety of plant cultures grow throughout our planet. And a significant number of them have long been used by people for medicinal purposes. On their basis, a variety of drugs were prepared, which helped to cope with even very serious diseases. For therapeutic purposes, small herbs, and large bushes, and even big trees. The ash tree, familiar to all of us, can be attributed just to the latter. Let's talk about the features of this culture and its unique qualities a little more detail.

Ash is a tree quite common in the vastness of our country, and historically it turned out that in all territories where this culture grows, it has found its application, including for the treatment of various kinds of diseases.

This is ash (photo):


What does ash look like? Tree Description

The height of the ash tree can reach thirty meters. This plant is quite easy to recognize, thanks to its characteristic pinnate leaves and specific black dots. Ash leaves are opposite, they develop only after flowering. On the branches, the foliage alternates crosswise, one branch can have from seven to thirteen leaves on itself.

Most often, ash flowers do not have a corolla, as well as a calyx, but they have red stamens. Flowers are collected in bunches.

On the ash tree, fruits are formed that have a lionfish tongue, they are located in hanging panicles. At first, their color is green, and then changes to brown.

The plant begins to bloom in the month of April, and the fruits on it develop only in November.

Where does ash grow in nature?

Ash can be found in Europe and the Caucasus, it also grows in the Mediterranean and in Asia Minor. As for Russia, this tree is found quite often in our country. Its range includes European part states. Ash can also be found in the Crimea and Moldova, it grows in Ukraine and the Caucasus.

Most often, this culture settles on a variety of soils, including wetlands. The usual neighbor of an ash tree is an alder. This tree is not inclined to form pure stands, becoming part of broad-leaved and mixed forests. It can be found in cutting areas or clearings.

How to improve health using ash? Application for treatment

The unique healing qualities of ash are due to its well-balanced composition. Main active substances This culture is considered to be essential oils, tannins, coumarins, resins, bitterness, flavonoids, and gum.

Ash has long been used in traditional medicine recipes, our ancestors used it almost completely - and leaves, and bark, and roots, and flowers and seeds. Based on it, medicines were prepared for fever and various inflammatory processes. Preparations from such a tree still have excellent astringent qualities. They help the speedy healing of various wounds and are characterized by diuretic properties. The consumption of medicines based on ash helps to cope with painful sensations of various etiologies, as well as achieve a mild laxative effect.

Different parts of this tree can be used to prepare infusions and decoctions; powder and medicinal tea are also prepared from them. Leaf decoctions are often advised to use for the preparation of compresses intended for the treatment of sciatica, osteochondrosis, and rheumatism.

A decoction prepared from fresh leaves is great for treating wounds, bruises and severe bruises. Such remedies and compresses remarkably eliminate unpleasant painful sensations, cope with increased swelling and significantly accelerate the healing process.

To correct pyelonephritis, cystitis and urolithiasis, it is worth consuming an infusion prepared on the basis of ash roots. A similar remedy also helps to cope with uterine bleeding and hemorrhoids.

Ash preparations are also quite often used to eliminate helminthic invasions. There are recipes that allow the use of such drugs in cough therapy.

Tea brewed from ash leaves is used to achieve a diuretic effect. Such a tool remarkably eliminates excess fluid from the body. As for the powder obtained from the seeds of this tree, it also has a diuretic and, in addition, also a diaphoretic effect.

An infusion based on ash buds is advised to take for the treatment of gout. In addition, such a remedy helps to cope with bladder ailments and primordially female diseases. A mixture made up of different parts plants, can be used to treat arthritis.

Additional Information

It should be borne in mind that although ash has a number of useful qualities, nevertheless, this plant is poisonous. Accordingly, its use is possible only with extreme caution, in addition, such therapy requires agreement with the attending physician. Among other things, ash-based preparations are categorically contraindicated in hypertension, childbearing and exercise. breastfeeding. You also need to consider the likelihood of developing allergic reactions.

Family: olive (Oleaceae).

motherland

Ash is widely distributed in Central Europe, the Far East, North America and Japan.

The form: wood.

Description

Ash trees are deciduous trees, most of which are large-sized - representatives of the genus reach a height of 25 - 35 meters, and sometimes more. These trees are long-lived - in nature there are specimens whose age is about 300 years.

The powerful ash root does not have a central core. The diameter of the trunk of an adult plant can reach one meter. Most representatives of the genus have an ovoid, elongated crown, formed by rare, upwardly directed branches. The bark of the trees is ash-gray, covered with small cracks below.

Ash leaves, up to 40 cm long, consist of 7-15 oppositely arranged lanceolate dark green leaves. The flowers of a brown or purple hue are collected in panicle inflorescences. Representatives of the genus begin to bear fruit at the age of 25 - 40 years. Ash fruits are lanceolate or elongated-elliptical lionfish. Ash seeds ripen in autumn, but remain on the branches until spring.

The genus of ash trees includes 51 species in six sections.

The most common types of ash:

American Ash (F. americana) - large, up to 40 meters in height, a tree with a wide ovoid crown. Distributed in eastern North America. Frost- and drought-resistant, durable. Easily tolerates polluted and gassed air, therefore it is excellent for urban landscaping.

or Ash high (F. excélsior) grows up to 30 meters in height, sometimes more. It grows in Europe, the Caucasus, Iraq. The high openwork crown of the tree looks very decorative. This type of ash is widely used to create garden and park compositions, in alley plantings, as well as to strengthen and decorate the banks of reservoirs.

Manchurian ash (F. mandshurica) is distributed in broad-leaved and coniferous-broad-leaved forests of the Far East, Korea and Japan. In height reaches 30 meters. Shade tolerant, prefers well-drained soils.

Manna ash or Manny Ash, White Ash (F. ornus) is most common in southern Europe and Southwest Asia. Compact, up to 15 meters in height, tree with a rounded, low-set crown. Photophilous and drought-resistant, but not frost-resistant enough. Very decorative, effective in single, group and avenue plantings. Recommended for urban gardening in southern regions Russia.

Ash Pennsylvania or Ash fluffy(F. pennsylvanica) is common in the nature of the North American continent. Representatives of the species - as a rule, medium-sized trees about 20 meters in height, some specimens reach 40 meters or more. Not particularly decorative, but hardy enough in relation to external factors. The dense crown of the tree provides good shade. Frost-resistant. Suitable for garden and urban gardening. Green ash is one of the variations of this species.

Sogdian ash or Sogdian ash (F. sogdiana) is distributed in Central Asia and China. compact, average height tree is about 10 meters. Decorative. Used in various garden and park plantings.

or Ash green (F. lanceolata) occurs naturally in the east of the North American continent. Srednerosly, up to 15 meters in height. Frost-resistant, decorative. Great for growing in gardens and parks in the northern Russian regions.

ash-tree (F. rhynchophylla) is found in Manchuria, China and Korea. Quite undersized maximum height adult specimen - 12 meters. Decorative thanks to the highly raised openwork crown.

Growing conditions

Most varieties of ash prefer moist, well-drained soils rich in calcium and organic matter with a pH of 6-7. Ash grows best in spacious sunny areas. Does not tolerate soil well great content salts and stagnant groundwater. Resistant to drought, polluted and smoky air. Frost-resistant.

Application

Decorative varieties of ash are widely used both in creating all kinds of garden and park compositions, and in plantings. In group plantings, large-sized plants are used as a spectacular backdrop for more compact plants. On large plots and when landscaping urban areas, ash trees are planted along, in addition, they are successfully used for decoration.

The economic use of ash is very diverse: its wood is used to make furniture, sports equipment, musical instruments etc. Juice from ash fruits is used in Food Industry, and the fruits themselves, as well as leaves and bark - in traditional medicine. Honey plant.

Care

It is recommended to loosen the soil under an adult tree simultaneously with the removal of weeds 5-7 cm deep. During the dry period, the plant must be provided with sufficient, but not excessive watering. Ash responds well to top dressing with nitrogen-containing fertilizers applied during irrigation twice a year: in spring and autumn.

Ash is a tree that does not tolerate pruning, so it is not recommended to apply a decorative haircut to it. Only dry branches and top shoots should be cut.

reproduction

Reproduction of ash in nature is carried out by self-seeding. As a rule, it is planted in a permanent place in the form of seedlings purchased in a nursery or grown in natural conditions.

The soil mixture for planting ash should contain leafy soil, humus and sand in a ratio of 1:2:1. As to use sand or gravel. When planting in groups, ash seedlings should be located at a distance of at least 5 meters from each other. The root system of the ash tree must be abundantly moistened before planting. An earth ball should not be completely buried in the soil; when planting, it should be 10-20 cm above ground level - in the future, after settling and compacting the soil, the tree will take the correct position.

In the first 3-4 days after planting, seedlings need watering.

Diseases and pests

The main pests of ash:

  • ash spade. The method of struggle is double spraying with a solution of kinmiks, decis, karbofos;
  • ash beetle. The method of struggle is double spraying with a solution of karbofos.

The most common disease of the ash tree is considered to be cancer of the trunks and branches. Treatment of a tree consists in cutting out cancerous ulcers. The places cleared of lesions are treated with an antiseptic and covered with garden pitch.

Popular varieties

Common ash varieties:

  • ‘Aurea’- with yellowish-green foliage;
  • ‘Aurea Pendula’- slow growing weeping form;
  • ‘Diversifolia’- with a pyramidal crown;
  • ‘Pendula’- weeping form.
  1. Description
  2. Popular types
  3. Ordinary
  4. American
  5. Fluffy
  6. Manchurian
  7. black ash
  8. Landing and care

Ash is the most widespread and numerous genus of trees in the olive family in the Northern Hemisphere. In total, there are more than 50 of its species, most of them are deciduous trees, but there are also shrubs.

Ash received its eloquent name in Russia because of the characteristic shape of openwork leaves that let in the sun's color.

Description

The “favorite” soils of this kind of trees are neutral or slightly alkaline, fertile, with abundant moisture: chernozems, gray loams. They grow in small groups, singly, in the vicinity of other deciduous trees in forests, parks, river floodplains, beams, hollows, preferring well-lit areas.

The root system of ash trees without a central rod, but powerful, grows widely to the sides. The trunks are usually smooth, covered with light silvery or greenish-gray bark, stretching up to 20–30 m, but there are specimens up to 50 m or more in height. The absence of roughness and deep cracks in the bark is a kind of protection for trees from pest damage. The crown has a slightly elongated ovoid shape, which is formed by long arcuate shoots directed upwards. The leaves are dark green, unequal-pinnate, consisting of several lanceolate, opposite leaflets, located on thin grooved cuttings. 9-15 small leaves grow on one cutting.

Flowers appear in spring, both male and female are located on the tree, as well as bisexual inflorescences in the form of thin fluffy panicles of brown, purple or yellowish color. They have no perianths. As a rule, female flowers do not have the opportunity to be pollinated, since male flowers begin to bloom later, so self-pollination of trees is unlikely. Ash rarely attracts insects due to its lack of fragrance. Some types of ash in March and April give a sweet juice that stands out when cutting branches and bark. IN natural conditions seed ripening is possible only with several trees growing nearby. Foliage rarely turns yellow, flying around in autumn, remains green.

The fruits of ash trees are rounded, elliptical lionfish about 4 cm in size, which contain small nuts inside. On the branches they remain hanging until the middle of winter. In many species, nuts are edible, as they contain a large amount of protein. In England, for example, pickled spicy seasoning for meat is prepared from such fruits. In the Caucasus, nuts are included in many national dishes.

Ash trees are often straight-stemmed and slender trees, with a girth not exceeding 1 m. The average life span is about 80–100 years, fruiting begins at 25–30 years. There are also centenarians among them - up to 250-300 years. Trees that are solitary and well-lit by the sun live longer; they die early from a lack of light in dense forests.

Most varieties tolerate cold well, but young trees can suffer from severe frosts, especially during a snowless period.

Popular types

The distribution range of the ash includes North America, Europe and Asia. In the temperate and southern latitudes of our country, common ash (high) is more common, but other species can also grow: Manchu, bent-fruited.

Ordinary

Fraxinus excelsior - common ash - grows in Central and Western Europe, moderate climate zone Russia, the Caucasus, Iran. It is found in mixed and deciduous forests, planted in parks, alleys, squares. D trees of this species rise up to 25–30 m in height, some giants grow up to 40 m. The crown is spreading and openwork. The leaf of common ash reaches 40 cm, consists of narrow bright green leaves 6–9 cm long oppositely located on the handle. The bark of the tree is greenish-gray, cracked with age. Flowers appear early - in April, even before the buds open.

American

Grows in the eastern part of the North American continent. This tree is distinguished by the shape of compound leaves - wider and shorter than those of common ash, with jagged edges. Inflorescences are long and fluffy, fruits are about 3 cm in size. Crown american style light green and wide. The growth of trunks - up to 40 m and more. The bark is silvery or whitish, smooth.

Fluffy

This species is also called Pennsylvania. It is a frost-resistant and moisture-loving breed, grows up to 20 m, is very picky about lighting, and quickly dies in the shade of other trees. Young shoots are covered with a velvety fluff, the foliage is matte, dark green, slightly lighter on the back and also slightly pubescent. The bark is brown-brown, the spring inflorescences are yellow-green and almost round. Pennsylvania ash is a long-liver, in favorable conditions it grows up to 300–350 years.

Manchurian

This species is native to Far East: its Russian part, as well as China, Japan and Korea. Manchu, or Chinese, ash is different large sizes- its trunks rise to 35–40 m, in diameter - up to 2 m. The leaves are very large - individual leaves up to 12 cm long and 7 cm wide make up a brush up to 50 cm on the handle. The bark of the Chinese ash is very thick and ribbed, gray-green colors.

black ash

One of the few species that does not bloom. His homeland East Coast United States, wetlands and floodplains. The tree got its name for the unusual color of the wood - it really has a dark, almost black color. This ash loves moisture very much and is sensitive to its lack.

Landing and care

IN natural environment plantations with a predominance of ash species are important for strengthening slopes and ravines. Their powerful, branched root system keeps the soil layers from shedding and helps protect them from drying out by concentrating moisture. In addition, decorative qualities and ash wood are of value.

Resistant to pests, polluted air, unpretentious care, beautiful appearance do different kinds ash is a real godsend for landscaping parks and gardens. For landscape design, ordinary, American or furry species that do not form a dense shadow. There are also special decorative varieties bred specifically for urban conditions.

You can also plant ash trees in your own backyard. Sprouting seeds for this is not the best best method, the result will have to wait a very long time. You can get beautiful trees faster when planting ready-made seedlings. The main requirements for growing conditions: well lit sunny places, non-acidified soil.

Pits are prepared for planting, three times the volume of root clods of seedlings. Drainage made of stone and sand is laid inside, filling the recesses with it by about ¼, moisten the soil. If there are several seedlings, the distance between the pits should be at least 5 m. After planting, an earthen lump about 15 cm high is compacted near the trunk. To ensure direct growth, it is useful to strengthen the trees with pegs. Around the trunk, it is necessary to pour a mulch that warms the roots: chips, sawdust, pine needles. Young ash trees especially need warming before winter in the first 3–4 years of life, since very coldy can destroy them. Subsequently, mulching is stopped.

If the soil is fertile, ash trees grow quickly - they stretch up to 40 cm per year. The crown also forms rapidly, spreading out in breadth. It is necessary to give it a well-groomed appearance by pruning in early spring, before the onset of active vegetation, before flowering.

In spring and autumn, trees need to be fed:

  • in April it can be a mixture of manure, urea, ammonium or calcium nitrate, diluted in water;
  • in October, the trees are watered with Kemira Universal fertilizer in a ratio of 20 g per 20 liters of water.

Seedlings need special watering only in dry weather. Ash roots are able to extract water from great depths. Waterlogging can adversely affect their condition, causing shoots to rot. If such signs are noticed, the diseased branches should be cut off, the cuts should be treated with crushed activated carbon and the water regime should be reviewed.

Pests rarely appear on the bark and shoots of ash trees. In case of damage by a bark beetle or an ash scapula, the trees are treated with special insecticides.

Characteristics and application of wood

Ash wood is highly durable and has a beautiful contrasting texture. The sapwood bends well. Annual rings, wavy grain, different density of early and late layers and differences in color within one log provide the material with an original beautiful pattern. The surface on the cuts is matte, the ash does not have a pronounced sheen.

The density of wood is about 680 kg / m³, in terms of strength, ash is superior to oak. It is not easy to split or process wood with hand tools due to its hardness and uneven anatomical structure. However, this material holds up very well. different types fasteners: nails, staples and screws.

Biostability is much superior to other types of wood. With age, resistance to fungus and other pathogens increases.

The disadvantages include severe shrinkage during processing and possible swelling during operation. For this reason, lumber requires careful protective treatment. In addition, the high density of ash prevents uniform dyeing of the fibers with tinting agents. But properly dried and prepared material is durable - it serves for many years without deformation.

Ash wood of Russian origin can sometimes suffer from internal rot due to the formation of frost cracks in old trunks.

In ancient times, tools, clubs, horns, bows, arrows and stakes used in hunting and battles were made from durable ash wood. The boards were used in shipbuilding, the production of sleighs and carriages, they turned dishes from solid wood, bent rocker arms, wheel rims, made clamps and ax handles.

IN modern industry ash wood is used to cut facing veneer, parquet, produce bent and carved furniture, sports equipment, elements of weaving machine mechanisms, gun stocks.

A beautiful motley pattern and a matte silky surface of an array of ash trunks and roots are of artistic value. The material is used for turning various figures and sculptures.

For technical purposes, the bark and foliage are also used. They are used to make dyes, tanning solutions, natural medications. IN rural areas where ash is common, the leaves are given to feed livestock.