Little Leaf Ash

Plant Type: Evergreen Shade Tree
Plant Height: 15-25 feet
Spread: 15-20 feet
Flower Color: Inconspicuous (grown for foliage and shade)
Sun Exposure: Full sun

Little Leaf Ash: Compact Shade and Evergreen Strength

The Little Leaf Ash (Fraxinus greggii) is a durable, small evergreen tree well-suited for Arizona’s desert climate. Its compact size, dense canopy, and glossy green foliage make it an excellent choice for homeowners who want reliable year-round greenery and manageable shade without the massive size of larger ash trees. With its refined look and easy-care nature, this tree is popular for courtyards, patios, and smaller landscapes.

Key Features of Little Leaf Ash

• Evergreen Shade: Provides consistent greenery and filtered shade year-round.
• Compact Size: Reaches only 15-25 feet tall, perfect for smaller yards and patios.
• Low Maintenance: Minimal pruning required; naturally grows into a rounded canopy.
• Drought Tolerant: Once established, thrives with very little supplemental water.

Growing and Care Tips

• Soil: Prefers well-drained soils; tolerates rocky or sandy conditions.
• Water: Moderate during establishment; very low water needs once mature.
• Pruning: Light shaping as needed to maintain form.
• Cold Tolerance: Hardy to about 15°F; dependable across Phoenix Valley landscapes.

Landscaping Uses

• Courtyard & Patio Tree: Perfect compact tree for small outdoor living spaces.
• Accent Tree: Provides structure and greenery in xeriscapes and modern landscapes.
• Street Tree: Works well in parkways or narrow planting strips.
• Low-Water Gardens: Ideal for desert and drought-tolerant plantings.

Summary

The Little Leaf Ash is a tough, attractive evergreen shade tree that provides year-round greenery in a manageable size. Perfect for Arizona homeowners who want beauty, shade, and low water use, it’s a versatile and reliable landscape tree.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow):

Little Leaf Ash Planting Guide

Location: Full sun for best growth and canopy development.
Soil: Well-drained soils; amend with compost if planting in heavy clay.
Spacing: Plant 15-20 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 year until established.

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 5-7 gallons per watering for young trees.

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Typically 6-9 months in Arizona’s climate.

Watering Once Established:

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

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: 12-18 inches from trunk, expanding outward as canopy grows.
• Flow Rate: 2-3 gallons per hour emitters recommended.
• Number of Emitters: 2-3 per tree, increasing as roots spread.
• Adjusting Frequency: Increase watering during summer heat; reduce in cooler months.

General Watering Tips for Little Leaf Ash

• Soil Check: Water when soil is dry 3-4 inches deep.
• Encourage Canopy Growth: Deep, infrequent watering promotes stronger roots and denser foliage.
• Avoid Overwatering: Too much water may stress the tree or cause root rot.
• Mulch: Apply gravel or decomposed granite to conserve moisture and reduce soil heat.