Bonita Ash

Plant Type: Deciduous Shade Tree
Plant Height: 25-40 feet
Spread: 20-30 feet
Flower Color: Inconspicuous (grown for foliage and shade)
Sun Exposure: Full sun

Bonita Ash: Refined Shade with Improved Structure

The Bonita Ash (Fraxinus velutina ‘Bonita’) is a specially selected cultivar of the Arizona Ash, bred for improved structure, stronger branching, and a cleaner canopy. Like its parent, it is a fast-growing deciduous shade tree, but with a more reliable form and fewer structural issues. Its lush green leaves turn a soft golden yellow in fall, providing seasonal color and dense shade during summer months. The Bonita Ash offers all the benefits of the Arizona Ash with greater durability and refined beauty.

Key Features of Bonita Ash

• Improved Cultivar: Stronger branch structure reduces breakage compared to standard Arizona Ash.
• Fast-Growing Shade: Provides a broad canopy of cooling shade in just a few years.
• Seasonal Interest: Rich green summer foliage with golden yellow fall color.
• Adapted to Desert Conditions: Thrives in Arizona’s heat when given deep, regular watering.

Growing and Care Tips

• Soil: Adapts to most well-drained soils, including sandy and rocky ground.
• Water: Moderate water during establishment; benefits from deep watering in summer.
• Pruning: Light seasonal pruning maintains structure and enhances longevity.
• Cold Tolerance: Hardy to about 0°F; suitable across Arizona and the Southwest.

Landscaping Uses

• Shade Tree: Perfect for covering patios, lawns, and outdoor living spaces.
• Accent Tree: Works as a striking focal point in larger landscapes.
• Street & Park Tree: Stronger structure makes it suitable for community plantings.
• Seasonal Display: Provides lush greenery in summer and golden foliage in fall.

Summary

The Bonita Ash is a superior alternative to the Arizona Ash, offering the same quick shade and seasonal beauty but with stronger branching and a longer lifespan. It’s an excellent choice for Arizona homeowners who want fast shade without many of the structural issues common to older ash varieties.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow):

Bonita Ash Planting Guide

Location: Full sun for best canopy development.
Soil: Adaptable to most well-drained soils; amend clay with compost if needed.
Spacing: Plant 20-30 feet apart to allow for 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 8-12 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 extreme heat or drought.
• 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: 3-4 per tree, increasing with canopy spread.
• Adjusting Frequency: Increase in peak summer; reduce in cooler months.

General Watering Tips for Bonita Ash

• Soil Check: Water when soil is dry 4-6 inches deep.
• Encourage Longevity: Deep, infrequent watering strengthens roots and canopy structure.
• Prune Smartly: Seasonal thinning helps maintain healthy branching.
• Mulch: Apply gravel or organic mulch around base to conserve soil moisture.

⚠️ Note for Customers: While Bonita Ash is an improved cultivar with stronger branching, it still has a lifespan of about 30–40 years. It’s best planted where quick shade is desired, and homeowners are aware it’s not as long-lived as some desert-native shade trees.