338 SYLVICULTURAL NOTES ON TIMBER TREES 



ASH. 



Praxinus excelsior = The Common Ash or European Ash. 

 Fraxinus Americana = The White Ash or American Ash. 

 Fraximis Oregona = The Oregon Ash. 

 Praxinus viridis = The Green Ash. 



The Common Ash is a native tree to this country, and 

 is one of the most valuable trees that can be grown. 



It produces seed freely and constantly from about the 

 3Oth year onwards ; or earlier if grown in the open. 



As to Seed. The seed ripens in October, but does not 

 germinate until the second spring. The seed should be kept, 

 meantime, in pies of moist sand, and finally sown in drills in 

 April of the 2nd year. 



An average germinative capacity of the seed is about 60 

 to 65 per cent. ; and I Ib. of seed contains about 6800 seeds. 



The timber quickly deteriorates if left in the forest ; it 

 loses less weight in seasoning than any other hardwood 

 timber. 



The timber is very valuable ; and is usually worth as 

 much per foot, or more, than the best English Oak. It is 

 the most elastic of any British-grown timber, and is far 

 superior to all imported European Ash. 



Soil and Situation. A deep marl (if not too stiff) or a 

 good loam with some lime in it, is the most suitable soil for 

 Ash ; and a constant, plentiful supply of moisture is essential ; 

 but wet soils should generally be avoided, as spring frosts are 

 far more common on such soils. Shallow soils, or stiff soils, 

 or light dry soils are quite unsuited to it. 1 A thick humus 

 soil covering is of great advantage. 



The tree is very susceptible to late spring and early 

 autumn frosts, and the greatest caution is necessary when 

 planting it. Fortunately, it is usually rather late in coming 

 into leaf. It likes moist air; and succeeds far better on 

 northern than on southern aspects. Where late frosts are 



1 However, Ash poles, up to 20 or 30 years old, can be grown on 

 stiff clays and on other soils which are quite unsuitable for mature timber. 



