Arizona Ash

Plant Type: Deciduous Shade Tree
Plant Height: 30-45 feet
Spread: 25-40 feet
Flower Color: Inconspicuous (grown for foliage and shade)
Sun Exposure: Full sun

Arizona Ash: Fast-Growing Shade for Larger Landscapes

The Arizona Ash (Fraxinus velutina) is a popular deciduous tree in the Southwest, known for its fast growth, broad canopy, and lush summer foliage. Its bright green leaves turn a soft golden yellow in fall, offering seasonal color before dropping in winter. With its ability to provide quick shade, the Arizona Ash is a favorite choice for homeowners seeking to establish a leafy canopy in a short period of time.

Key Features of Arizona Ash

• Fast-Growing Shade: Reaches maturity quickly, creating cooling shade for homes and yards.
• Seasonal Color: Deciduous leaves provide lush greenery in summer and golden hues in fall.
• Broad Canopy: Ideal for covering patios, lawns, and outdoor spaces.
• Wildlife Value: Provides shelter and habitat for birds and pollinators.

Growing and Care Tips

• Soil: Tolerates a wide range of soils but prefers well-drained sites.
• Water: Moderate during establishment; benefits from deep watering during hot summers.
• Pruning: Requires seasonal pruning to maintain strong structure and prevent weak branching.
• Cold Tolerance: Hardy to about 0°F; reliable across Arizona’s desert and higher-elevation regions.

Landscaping Uses

• Shade Tree: Excellent for creating fast, broad shade near homes, patios, and lawns.
• Seasonal Accent: Provides greenery in spring and summer, with attractive fall foliage.
• Street Tree: Widely used in neighborhoods and parks for quick canopy coverage.
• Wildlife Gardens: Attracts birds and provides nesting sites.

Summary

The Arizona Ash is a reliable, fast-growing tree that delivers abundant summer shade and attractive fall color. Best suited for larger yards where its broad canopy can be appreciated, it is a practical and popular shade solution in Arizona landscapes.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow):

Arizona Ash Planting Guide

Location: Full sun for best growth and canopy development.
Soil: Adaptable to most soils; prefers well-drained ground.
Spacing: Plant 25-40 feet apart to allow mature canopy spread.
Planting Depth: Place root ball level with surrounding soil; firm gently.
Support: Stake young trees for the first 1-2 years to encourage upright growth.

Watering Guide

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Deeply water immediately after planting.
• Frequency: Every 2-3 days for the first 2 weeks, then weekly for 2-3 months.
• Amount: Provide 10-15 gallons per watering for young trees.

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: 9-12 months in Arizona’s climate.

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Deep water every 10-14 days; increase to weekly during extended heat waves.
• Winter: Water every 4-6 weeks if rainfall is lacking.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: 18-24 inches from trunk, expanding outward as tree matures.
• Flow Rate: 2-4 gallons per hour emitters recommended.
• Number of Emitters: 3-5 per tree, increasing with canopy growth.
• Adjusting Frequency: Increase in peak summer and reduce in winter.

General Watering Tips for Arizona Ash

• Soil Check: Water when soil is dry 4-6 inches deep.
• Encourage Strong Structure: Deep, infrequent watering supports healthy root growth.
• Prune Regularly: Seasonal thinning reduces risk of weak branches and storm damage.
• Mulch: Apply gravel or organic mulch around the base to conserve moisture and protect roots.

⚠️ Note for Customers: Arizona Ash is a fast-growing tree, but it has a shorter lifespan (typically 25–30 years) compared to other shade trees. Regular pruning and proper watering are essential to maintain structure and prolong its life.