Raywood Ash Fraxinus angustifolia 'Raywood'

Water

The Raywood Ash tree requires deep watering to establish a strong root system, especially during the first few years after planting. It should be watered thoroughly every two to three weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. A young tree will benefit from 15 to 20 gallons of water each time, depending on the size and age of the tree. Mature Raywood Ash trees are drought-tolerant and may require less frequent watering, depending on the climate and soil conditions. It's important to avoid over-watering as it can lead to root rot.

Light

The Raywood Ash prefers full sun conditions for optimal growth. This means the tree should be planted in a spot where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The more sun exposure the better, as inadequate light can lead to sparse foliage and reduced vigor of the tree.

Temperature

The Raywood Ash is adaptable to a wide range of temperature conditions, but it thrives in regions where the average temperature ranges between 60°F and 80°F. It can survive temperatures as low as -10°F and as high as around 100°F. However, extreme cold or heat for prolonged periods may stress the tree.

Pruning

Pruning the Raywood Ash tree primarily helps to maintain its shape, remove any damaged or diseased limbs, and promote a strong, healthy structure. Pruning should be done during the dormant season, typically in late winter before new growth begins. It's usually necessary to prune the tree every 2 to 3 years, focusing on removing inward-growing branches and thinning out the canopy to allow light and air to penetrate.

Cleaning

Not needed

Soil

The Raywood Ash thrives in well-draining loamy soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. A mix of garden soil, compost, and sand in equal parts can create an ideal environment for its growth. Regular mulching can help maintain moisture and provide nutrients.

Repotting

Raywood Ash trees, being large landscape trees, do not typically require repotting as they are usually planted directly into the ground. If grown in a container, young trees may be repotted every 2 to 3 years to provide sufficient room for growth.

Humidity & Misting

Raywood Ash trees are adaptable to a wide range of humidity conditions and do not require any specific humidity levels. They thrive in both arid and humid climates as long as their soil moisture needs are met.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Not suitable for indoor growth due to size.

• Outdoor

  Plant in well-draining soil, full sun, and water regularly.

• Hardiness zone

  6-9 USDA

Life cycle

The 'Raywood' Ash (Fraxinus angustifolia 'Raywood') begins its life cycle as a seed, which after stratification, germinates in early spring. As a seedling, the plant depends on its stored nutrients until it can develop leaves for photosynthesis. In its juvenile growth phase, the tree rapidly increases in height and develops a branching structure; this stage can last for several years. As it reaches maturity, the 'Raywood' Ash develops a thick trunk and a rounded to oval canopy, typically starting to produce flowers and viable seeds between 10 to 20 years of age. Following years of growth, the tree enters the reproductive stage annually, typically flowering in spring with seeds maturing by autumn. The lifespan of a 'Raywood' Ash can be several decades, and throughout its life, the tree undergoes cycles of growth, reproduction, and dormancy with leaves turning an attractive claret-red in fall before shedding for winter dormancy.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Fraxinus angustifolia 'Raywood', commonly known as the Raywood Ash, is most commonly propagated by seed sowing. The best time to sow the seeds is in autumn shortly after the seeds are collected; this timing aligns with their natural cycle and ensures that the cold stratification period, which breaks the dormancy of the seeds, is naturally provided by the winter conditions. To propagate by seed, one would first collect the samaras, the winged fruits of the ash, and then separate the seeds from the wings. Seeds can be sown directly outside in a prepared bed or in pots filled with a mix of peat and perlite. They require light to germinate, so seeds should be sown on the surface or lightly covered with soil. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted to their permanent positions in the landscape. It's important to note that Raywood Ash trees are gendered, and seed-propagated trees won't be clones of the parent, potentially resulting in a variety of shapes and sizes.