Grow Your Business with Tree Journey

Camphor trees are large trees with large canopies that grow in the United States in several parts of the country but are native to Asia, especially Japan and China. These trees have varied purposes, so there are several places you might find them. 

Some of the most common places where camphor trees grow include streets, yards, and forests, so their locations are very versatile. Camphor trees are very controversial among gardeners and homeowners because the trees have a lot of positive attributes but they also have some problems. 

Read on to learn more about camphor trees, their uses and purposes, and why you might see them anywhere from lining your sidewalk to your neighbor’s front yard or an ancient forest in Japan. 

Some Key Facts About Camphor Trees

Camphor trees are a tree you may not have heard of, as they aren’t as common as oaks or maples, but they are still a common tree found in many parts of the country. 

They make great shade trees and their oil is valued for its medicinal properties. But camphor oil is toxic to humans and pets, so use extreme caution when considering this tree. 

Camphor trees are a part of the laurel family, which also includes magnolia trees, another species of evergreen that does not have needles. Because of this, many people like to plant them so they can enjoy their foliage year-round. 

The Controversy Of Camphor Trees

Most of the controversy regarding camphor trees comes about because the trees are great for some purposes but they are extremely invasive and problematic for many reasons, so while some people love them and want to plant and grow them, other people hate camphor trees and want to eliminate them. 

Camphor trees are not native to the United States, but they can now be found in a number of areas of the country since they were introduced from Asia.

The same thing has also happened to Australia, where camphor trees were introduced from Asia and were originally grown on purpose as ornamental trees in yards and gardens, but the trees soon took over other plants and trees and now most people in Australia consider camphor trees to be like unwanted weeds. 

Camphor trees are fast-growing and aggressive, and they can kill other plants in their way as they spread and grow. But camphor trees are also huge, beautiful evergreens that provide beauty and shade, so many people welcome them into their neighborhoods. 

To decide which side you are on, read on for some more information about camphor trees, including their benefits and uses. Then ponder the common places these trees grow and decide for yourself which side of the argument you support. 

Camphor Oil 

Camphor trees are the source of camphor oil, which is prized among those who believe in herbal treatments for their anti-inflammatory properties. Camphor trees are from the laurel family and their leaves have a distinct smell when crushed. 

According to one of our other articles on 5 Reasons Why Lavender Needs Full Sun And Not Shade, camphor smells somewhat similar to French lavender. So the oil itself might remind some people of lavender oil, which is alleged to have a calming property and is sometimes recommended to help people sleep better. 

Camphor oil is not scientifically proven to have benefits, but it is used widely in natural remedy circles.

Like all things of this nature, make sure to check with your doctor and read all pertinent information before using camphor oil, and remember to always keep it far away from kids and pets!

Camphor Trees Are Invasive

According to the University of Florida, camphor trees are invasive, which means that they will take root and grow in many areas, including those where they are not wanted or might damage other plants or trees. Their roots are aggressive, which means they will continue to grow quickly and intensely even if there are other roots or objects in their way. 

If you want to plant a camphor tree, this is something to keep in mind, as you need to keep your new camphor tree away from any other plants, trees, or structures the roots might disrupt.

These also include the foundations of buildings, driveways, or the sidewalk, which might seem like a contradiction since camphor trees so often are used to line streets. 

Camphor trees spread very easily, even if you try to stop the spread by mowing the seeds, pulling the seedlings, or cutting down the saplings; they have been known to continue to grow even after they have been burned! Their fruit is picked up by birds that carry it all over the place, and the seedlings are really difficult to kill. 

Camphor Trees Are Not Native To The United States

According to the University of West Alabama and the Alabama Herbarium Consortium’s Alabama Plant Atlas, camphor trees are evergreen trees that came to the United States from Asia in the late nineteenth century.

They do not look like many evergreen trees we are used to here in America, as they have leaves instead of needles, but, like the magnolia tree, they are evergreens nonetheless. 

Camphor trees were introduced to Florida from Asia in the 1870s when they were meant to be used for decoration. After that, they began to spread and now can be found in many southern states. 

Camphor Leaves Have A Distinct Smell

One of the easiest ways to identify a camphor tree is to crush one of its leaves and see how it smells. If you smell something similar to mint or lavender, it’s probably a camphor tree. 

Since most tree identification requires you to know specifics like the type of bark, the shape of the leaves, or even very detailed specifics like how the leaf attaches to its stem, this is a very easy way to identify a tree! 

The smell is described as the smell of camphor, but, if you have never smelled camphor, you won’t know what to look for. Some people compare it to mint, others to lavender, others to menthol, but these sorts of smells can help you with your initial identification and then, once you have smelled it, you will know what to smell for in the future. 

Other Characteristics Of Camphor Trees

Camphor trees grow to be a huge 150 feet tall with canopies that can be as wide as 300 feet; they often grow to a smaller size than that, but they still have canopies as wide as the trees are tall, which makes them great trees for visual impact and shade. 

They grow best in full sun, like most trees, and they are tolerant of drought but they prefer very moist soil with low acidity. 

Camphor trees have green leaves that stay green year-round, and their scientific name is cinnamomum camphora. The camphor also has mostly white flowers and show up in late spring, and it has berries that are black and are spread widely by birds, making control of this invasive tree’s growth very difficult. 

Camphor trees do attract some wildlife, including birds, which are known to spread camphor seeds far and wide, and butterflies and deer. They are not particularly susceptible to pests or diseases, so they are quite hardy trees that can survive in several environments and through many harsh conditions. 

Where Do Camphor Trees Grow?

Now let’s take a look at some common places where camphor trees grow, including urban locations, residential locations, and widely varied parts of the world.

These locations can vary widely from area to area, and the uses of the camphor tree are quite varied, so this list is fairly eclectic. 

1. Along City Streets

Camphor trees are commonly found growing along streets to line them or line the sidewalks. This is because camphor trees are great for shade and therefore work well to help shade walkways and the streets that people drive on as well as the areas where people frequently walk or ride bicycles.

Camphor trees are used to line streets because they can tolerate the conditions of the city, like pollution, for example.

But camphor trees can take over other trees that are nearby, so while they work well along streets, you have to be careful that they do not grow too close to other species of trees or plants. 

Some camphor trees can live to be over 100 years old, so they are also chosen to line streets sometimes because they do not have to be replaced for a long time, meaning they can mature and provide shade to residents of those streets for decades.

Also, the evergreen nature of camphor trees makes them great for street shade because the shade is not lost in the winter when shade is still needed but leaves are sometimes scarce. 

2. In Residential Yards

Camphor trees, because they provide great shade, are commonly found in people’s yards. If you are looking for a large, evergreen shade tree, the camphor is a popular option, though there are some important things to beware of as you plant a camphor tree near your home. 

Camphor trees grow very quickly, so they are popular with homeowners for that reason.

If you want to grow a tree fast and you want some shade or even just the yard decoration of a mature tree very quickly, a camphor tree, which can grow about two feet each year, might be a great choice. 

As we have discussed, planting camphor is a controversial choice, so here are some of the pros and cons of planting a camphor tree in your yard. But, before we get into the details, here is a quick chart to sum it all up.

Some Benefits Of Growing Camphor Trees In Your Yard

Camphor trees are very pretty trees with glossy leaves and huge canopies, so they can look quite beautiful and impressive in a front or back yard.

If you are looking to plant a large shade tree or large ornamental tree, you might consider a camphor tree, especially if you want an evergreen tree that does not have needles. 

Camphor trees are prized for their resilience, which is a negative when you are trying to get rid of them but a positive when you want to plant a tree that can survive in harsh conditions. Camphor trees can grow around fences, other roots, structures, and obstacles. 

Another reason that people like to grow camphor trees is for their smell, which, as we mentioned earlier, is similar to that of French lavender, which many people enjoy. There are, however, other options for fragrant trees if you want to avoid a tree species that is so problematic. 

Some Cautions Of Growing Camphor Trees In Your Yard

Camphor trees are beautiful, huge trees with enormous canopies that can be as wide as 300 feet! This is an enormous canopy, so you can probably see the appeal for homeowners and gardeners looking for a fast-growing tree that can provide a lot of shade. 

But camphor trees produce tons of seeds, and those seeds often grow into trees, so unless you want multiple camphor trees, you can pull the seedlings or get rid of the seeds each year. The tradeoff for this is that camphor trees are evergreen, so there are fewer leaves to rake in the fall.

 Camphor trees also should not be planted very close to anything with a foundation or to other trees, as the roots of the camphor tree are very aggressive and can disrupt or destroy other things they encounter underground.

Avoid having to repave your driveway or fix a sidewalk break by planting your camphor tree far enough away from these things. 

3. In The Forests of Asia (And Australia)

Camphor trees are very common in the forests of the lands to which they are native, including parts of Asia such as China, Japan, and Korea. The trees also grow naturally in Australia. 

These trees prefer wet environments like forests with lots of rain, so they are found in abundance in their native habitats like the more warm and humid areas of Asia.

They are also found in eastern Australia, where they have become invasive and are more like weeds to many than trees. 

Camphor trees can grow in forests of varying elevations, and they can grow in forests that are near the coasts. They are very versatile and hardy trees, so while the forests of Asia and Australia are very common, they are certainly not the only places to find camphor trees. 

Camphor Trees Are Grown In Commercial Forests, Too

In Asia, camphor trees are also grown purposefully so their oil can be harvested and sold. As we already mentioned, camphor oil is highly touted for its medicinal uses, so it can be sold easily. 

4. In The United States

Camphor trees may not have originated here, but they grow here now in large numbers, mostly in southern states with high humidity like Florida, Georgia, and parts of Texas.

Because the camphor tree is an invasive species, it has now posed a threat to the Florida jujube tree, and it has been categorized as a level I invasive species in the state of Florida. 

If the invasive nature of camphor trees is a problem for you, one thing that can help is to mow any area where there may be camphor seeds, as this can stop them from growing into trees. You can also use herbicides to kill camphor seedlings before they grow into camphor trees. 

But some people plant camphor trees on purpose, as their huge canopies are great for shade and the massive size of these trees is something many people want in their yards, especially if they have larger yards.

So while some people are trying to get rid of camphor trees, others are encouraging their growth; it all depends on your goals for your yard. 

Camphor Trees Are Commonly Planted In Public Spaces

Camphor trees are also used frequently in public spaces like parks because they live a very long time. Some camphor trees are alleged to have lived for 1,000 years!

In Japan, there is even a camphor tree that is supposed to be 3,000 years old. Most camphor trees do not live this long, of course, but their long lives are an asset when people think about planting them in areas where you probably don’t want to have to frequently replace trees, like parks and public spaces. 

If you live near a park with a camphor tree, be aware that any seedlings you see in your yard probably need to be pulled quickly and you might need to start using a herbicide on them if you are sure they are camphor trees. Otherwise, you might end up with your unintentional camphor forest!

Important Toxicity Information Regarding Camphor Trees

Camphor oil, despite its frequent use in natural remedies, is toxic, especially to people, cats, and dogs. So if you have children or pets, you should avoid camphor oil. 

Some Common Ways To Give Extra Care To Camphor Trees

If you do want to plant a camphor tree, keep in mind the invasive nature of its seeds and the aggressive nature of its roots. This might mean that you mow regularly around your camphor tree to prevent seedlings from sprouting or that you keep your camphor tree’s roots far away from other trees or structures. 

To aid the health of your camphor tree, you can consider using fertilizer in the tree’s mature years.

Some types of fertilizer are formulated specifically for trees, like Scotts Evergreen, Flowering Tree, and Shrub Continuous Release Plant Food. Or, for a fertilizer option that does not have to be scattered along the ground, there are spikes, like Jobe’s Fertilizer Spikes for Tree and Shrub. 

Getting Rid Of Camphor Trees

Maybe you are here because you want to read not about how to plant a camphor tree but about how to get rid of one.

Camphor trees are, after all, an invasive species that can harm other trees, so not everyone is always happy to see them growing up out of the ground. 

If you are dealing with a problematic camphor tree, you can replace it with a tree that is not invasive but has similar properties, like a magnolia tree. Magnolia trees are large, evergreen trees with leaves instead of needles, plus they have huge white blooms, so these trees might be the perfect substitute for the invasive camphor tree. 

Another option is to use herbicide on top of seedlings and saplings, as the camphor tree is so invasive that it can still grow even if you have cut or mowed it.

Simply apply some herbicide directly to the place where you cut the camphor trees or the area where they were growing. 

That’s A Wrap!

Now that you have learned more about camphor trees, you may have either made up your mind to plant one or changed your mind about this controversial tree species.

Either way, you now have more information to help you analyze the uses of these huge trees and consider how their invasive nature impacts gardens, yards, and forests in the United States. 

References

Hamidpour, R., Hamidpour, S., Hamidpour, M., & Shahlari, M. (2013). Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora), is a traditional remedy with the history of treating several diseases. Int. J. Case Rep. Images, 4(2), 86-89.

Malabadi, R. B., Kolkar, K. P., Meti, N. T., & Chalannavar, R. K. (2021). An age old botanical weapon for herbal therapy: Camphor tree, Cinnamomum camphora. Int. J. Innov. Sci. Res, 3, 1518-1523.

Zhou, Y., & Yan, W. (2016). Conservation and applications of camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora) in China: ethnobotany and genetic resources. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, 63, 1049-1061.

Have you ever wondered about the strength of a walnut tree, and how likely they might be to fall? I hope you haven’t had to consider this first-hand, but in the case that this situation of a fallen walnut tree does come up, we want you to be prepared!

The strength of a walnut tree partly has to do with the genetic traits of this tree and partly with the maintenance and care of each individual walnut tree.

Typically though, walnut trees are very strong and it takes significant damage to cause a walnut tree to fall.

Walnut trees are part of a genus of about 20 different species of walnut trees. This deciduous tree may be strong and adaptable, but to what end? What has the power to topple this gentle giant?

Let’s get into the specifics of walnut trees, before we go that far, though.

What Makes A Walnut Tree A Walnut Tree?

A walnut tree is a deciduous tree, which means that it loses its leaves in the fall months to prepare for winter before regaining them again in the springtime. 

Walnut trees tend to be large, vigorous organisms with a canopy that spreads rapidly and far across. 

Perhaps the most well-known aspect of a walnut tree is its, well…walnuts. 

This nut is classified as a true nut, which means that it is a specific kind of dry fruit that contains one seed, the walnut itself, surrounded by a hard shell and a protective husk. That pretty much fits the description of a walnut, hence this classification. 

What’s more, walnuts are rich in antioxidants, help to decrease inflammation, and can help to reduce the risk of heart disease. These benefits make this a very popular nut used in many common dishes found across regions and countries. 

How Strong Are Walnut Trees?

It’s great that walnuts are so beneficial, but what does this have to do with the resiliency of the tree itself? Is a walnut tree strong? If so, how strong?

These are all great questions, and very valid when it comes to defining the features of this common plant.

The wood of walnut trees is extremely durable, so no wonder it was a favorite back when people more commonly built log cabins and other styles of wood houses by hand. 

This is a good sign when it comes to the sturdiness of the tree itself, too. The black walnut can grow up to around 75 feet tall when left to grow completely in the open, so this tree is not only durable but is also a giant among its kind. 

If you want to learn more about walnut trees, check out our article Here’s How Often Walnut Trees Actually Bear Walnuts!

What Might Cause A Walnut Tree To Fall?

So, if walnut trees are so strong, what might cause this tree to fall? 

There are many factors, mostly natural ones, that can cause this. While human interference can of course topple even the tallest and strongest of trees, we know that is probably of lesser interest to you. This article is about knowing what to expect when it comes to the possibility of your tree falling, so that is what we will focus on here today.

Let’s get into it!

Storm Damage Could Cause A Walnut Tree To Fall

Storm damage is often an unexpected, unplanned at the least, an occurrence that can be detrimental to any plants that you have, as well as to structures, livestock, and other parts of your property. 

If a tornado comes plowing through your region, extreme winds could surely cause your walnut tree to fall. Mother nature has little regard for even the largest and most adaptable of trees. 

In a situation like this, unfortunately not much prevention is possible. Knowing that this is a possibility to expect is going to be the best preparation you can give yourself. 

Extreme Decay Caused By Infestation Or Disease Could Cause A Walnut Tree To Fall

This next possibility can be both prevented and remedied, in certain cases. 

As this is an example of a situation that would take place over a longer period of time, you have more agency in what happens to your tree. 

Let’s say that your tree is infested by insects. Depending on the situation you could prune certain branches, spray solutions, take preventative measures, or practice other remedial techniques. 

When it comes to disease, again, your response will depend on the disease, the severity, and how long the issue has been taking place. 

There are things you can do like general maintenance and preventative care to help curb this type of scenario before it even begins. 

While disease and infestation are not ideal, they are certainly more manageable than a natural disaster or some sort of freak storm. 

A Combination Of Situations Could Cause A Walnut Tree To Fall

There is always the possibility that this long-term situation like disease or infestation (or diseased caused by infestation) can lead a tree to decay and weaken. Then, when any sort of natural disaster or event occurs, the tree will not be as readily able to resist the forces of nature. 

A weakened tree is much more likely to fall in a storm than a strong, healthy, and well-maintained tree. 

So, that being said, how do you make sure your walnut tree remains one of the latter?

Sometimes, you just need to go ahead and cut down your tree. Check out our article on the 7 reasons you might need to remove your walnut tree.

How To Keep Your Walnut Tree Healthy

There are a few simple steps to follow that will ensure you are caring for your tree in a sustainable, encouraging manner. Following these steps may not save your tree from every possible accident or scenario that might occur, but it will help you to know that you have done what you can in preparing your tree to thrive for the duration of its long lifespan.

General Maintenance Of Your Walnut Tree

First, you can set your walnut tree up for success by making sure to keep an eye on it in a very general sense. Paying attention to your tree will help you to notice early on if there are signs of disease, infestation, or malnourishment in any way. 

General maintenance includes pruning your tree as needed, making sure that nothing obstructs your tree from the roots to the branches, and protecting your tree from any pests that may cause it harm. 

Especially if your walnut tree happens to be a young one, using something like this MTB Green Garden Border Folding Fence can make all the difference and ensure that nothing weakens the young exterior of your tree.

Water Your Walnut Tree

Watering your walnut tree, or any kind of tree that you might care for is a crucial and easy step to ensuring that your tree has all the possible tools for success.

An under-watered tree, just like a person or animal, is going to be extremely dehydrated and much less able to put its energy to growing taller and stronger. Instead, the focus will turn to surviving rather than thriving. 

If you’re concerned about remembering to thoroughly water your tree, you can always rely on an irrigation system such as this Flantor Drip Irrigation Kit to ensure that water is provided to your tree at regular intervals as set by you ahead of time.

If you’re interested in learning more about walnut trees, you can find more in our article 8 Differences Between Black Walnut Trees and Walnut Trees!

Fertilize To Save A Life

Fertilizing your tree is important in all scenarios, but especially when you are trying to promote growth and sustain healthy habits within your tree. 

Walnut trees tend to need a pretty nitrogen-heavy fertilizer. So, you can easily opt for an NPK 20-10-10 and know that you have made a solid choice. 

If you’re relatively new here, NPK stands for nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and refers to the balance of these different elements in a given type of fertilizer. 

You can easily find this kind of fertilizer online, and opting for a product like this Voluntary Purchasing Group Fertilome Tree and Shrub Food (NPK 19-8-10) can also keep you from breaking the bank!

That’s All For Today!

Alright, thanks for sticking around with us. If you do what you can to keep your walnut tree healthy and stable, hopefully, it will be less susceptible to falling during a bad storm. 

However, it’s worth mentioning that these sorts of situations are not always preventable!

Remember, we are all on this tree journey together. 

So, keep on keeping on and we’ll see you soon!

References:

Appleton, B. L., Berrier, R., Harris, R., Alleman, D., & Swanson, L. (2000). The walnut tree: allelopathic effects and tolerant plants.

Karczmarz, K. (2010). Numerical strength dynamics of Chromaphis juglandicola (Kalt. 1843) on common walnut (Juglans regia L.) in Lublin town plantings. Acta Scientirum Polonorum Hortorum Cultus, 9(4), 121-132.

McMahon, L. (2001). To a Fallen Walnut Tree. The Southern Review, 37(2), 305.

Pecan trees can be one of the easiest nut-producing trees to grow if you live in the right area and pick the right cultivar. They make beautiful shade trees and, if you water them correctly, you’ll be rewarded with enough pecans to enjoy for the entire year!

There are really only 6 steps you need to follow to plant a pecan tree. First, dig the correct size hole. Next, inspect the roots and prune if needed, place the seedling at the correct depth, and fill the hole with dirt and water.

After planting, make sure to protect the trunk and add mulch. If cared for, pecan trees can produce 50 lbs of pecans per year!

Before you dive right into planting, you will want to consider the climate you live in, the pecan cultivar you want to grow, and the best place to plant your pecan tree in your yard.

Don’t worry, we’ve got all of that info for you in this article too!

Where Exactly Do Pecan Trees Grow?

Before you set out on your journey to grow a pecan tree at home, you’ll want to make sure you live in the right area for your tree to be successful. One of the biggest factors that limits pecan tree success is temperature.

For a pecan tree to produce pecans, it needs at least 180 frost-free days and enough heat to ripen the nuts. 

The heat needed for ripening pecans, and other plants, is referred to as cooling degree days. Cooling degree days are calculated as the number of degrees the average temperature is above 65 degrees Fahrenheit.  

To calculate cooling degree days, you take the average temperature for the day and subtract 65. The resulting number is your cooling degree days. 

For example, if the low is 70, and the high is 90, your average temperature is 80. Subtract 65 from 80 and you get 15 cooling degree days for that day.

Pecans require 1,000 cooling degree days for the nuts to fully ripen. 

You can use the High Plains Regional Climate Center’s interactive map to see how many cooling degree days your area receives.

Starting From Seed Vs. Seedling

You may think about simply collecting a recently fallen pecan seed to start your pecan tree journey, but there are a few things you should know.

You may see a gorgeous pecan tree that produces tons of pecans each year and assume that planting one of those pecans will give you the same results. However, with pecans, the seed can fall very far from the tree.

Pecan seeds on the same tree can be highly variable genetically, meaning nut production and quality can vary among seeds collected from a single tree.

This high level of genetic variability has led to the cultivation of over 500 cultivars of pecan trees!

Therefore, most nurseries will start with a seedling to provide root stock and graft on buds or shoots from a parent tree with the desired pecan qualities. This ensures the resulting tree provides high-quality nuts in large quantities.

Pecan trees also have some pretty serious pests which can ruin both the pecans and the tree itself. Grafting allows you to choose parent trees that are resistant to many of these pests, decreasing the amount of work required to keep the tree healthy.

You can attempt to grow your own seedling from a pecan seed, then graft it on the desired parent tree yourself, but this can be difficult. We recommend you start with a seedling that has already been grafted to ensure your pecan tree gets started on the right foot.

We also recommend you plant more than one pecan tree in your yard to ensure good pollination and pecan production.

Read more on the best time to plant pecan trees and how you should do it in our in-depth article.

Why You Need To Plant More Than One Pecan Tree

As mentioned above, pecan trees have a high level of genetic variability. This is, in part, due to pecans being dichogamous plants.

Dichogamous plants have both male and female flowers, which mature at different times. This keeps dichogamous plants from self-pollinating.

Preventing self-pollination is a survival strategy as it increases the plant population’s genetic diversity. This allows for quicker adaptation to changes such as climate and pests. 

So you need to plant multiple pecan trees, that are two different cultivars.

Here’s why: female flowers of pecan trees grow on the current year’s growth, while male flowers grow from the previous year’s growth.

Some pecan tree cultivars will produce their female flowers first while others will produce their male flowers first. That’s why pecan tree cultivars are considered either Type 1 or Type 2, based on their flowering pattern.

Type 1 pecan tree cultivars produce mature male flowers first, followed by the maturing of the female flowers. This is known as protandrous flowering.

Type 2 pecan tree cultivars produce mature female flowers first, followed by the maturing of the male flowers. This is known as protogynous flowering.

So if you have a type 1 pecan tree and a type 2 pecan tree, you will have male and female flowers present at the same time for cross-pollination, leading to a plentiful pecan harvest later!

Therefore, we recommend you plant at least 2 pecan trees on your property, and that one is a type 1 cultivar and the other is a type 2 cultivar.

Best Pecan Tree Cultivars For Your Yard (By State)

Below is a table of the recommended pecan tree cultivars to grow in each state. We also added the pollination type (1 or 2) for most of the cultivars to make the selection process easier for you!

Choosing Where To Plant Your Pecan Trees

Before you decide to plant a pecan tree in your yard, you’ll want to make sure you have enough room. Pecan trees can grow up to 100 feet tall and 70 feet wide!

Make sure you consider the size your pecan tree will ultimately be and keep it away from your house and any power lines. 

Since you’ll likely be planting more than one pecan tree, so you can have good pollination, you want to leave enough space between trees as well. The University of Georgia recommends leaving at least 60 feet between pecan trees to prevent misshapen trees and the need for pruning as they grow bigger.

By avoiding planting near structures, power lines, and other trees, you’ll ensure that your mature pecan tree will get plenty of sunlight and produce a ton of pecans!

How To Plant Your Pecan Tree Seedling

Now that you’ve decided what pecan cultivar to plant, and where to plant it, it’s time to get your new tree into the ground! It is best to plant container seedlings in the ground in the early fall from September to October.

Step 1: Digging The Hole

To start, dig a hole that is slightly larger than the container your seedling is in. 

By not digging the hole too large, you will have fewer issues with settling soil which could cause your pecan tree to be planted too deep.

You can save the soil removed from the hole to fill it back in after placing the seedling. 

Step 2: Inspecting The Roots (And Pruning If Needed)

Next, remove the seedling from the pot it has been growing in. 

If you have pot-bound roots, you will want to pull them away from the outer soil gently and prune them. Don’t prune them back to the soil. Just prune a few inches, at most, to encourage new growth.

These Fiskars Gardening Tools: Bypass Pruning Shears are the perfect tool for cutting your roots and any small branches. 

For a more in depth pruning guide as your tree grows, check out our article on pruning large trees.

Also, inspect the tap root on the bottom of the soil. If the taproot has become twisted, due to hitting the bottom of the container, you will want to straighten it out and prune off the twisted part.

Now your seedling is ready for planting!

Step 3: Placing The Seedling At The Correct Depth

This is one of the most important parts of planting your pecan seedling. You want to avoid planting the seedling too deep or it could damage the roots due to a lack of oxygen.

Gently sit your seedling in the hole to see if the surface of the seedling soil is the recommended 1 inch lower than the surface of the soil surrounding your hole.

The goal is to only add one inch of soil on top of the soil your seedling came in once the tree is fully planted. More than an inch may cause the roots to suffocate.

Once you have the hole to the correct depth, it’s time to fill it all in!

Step 4: Filling The Hole With Dirt And Water

Filling with dirt and water may sound strange, but this method avoids leaving any air pockets around the roots.

Typically, when you plant something new, you eliminate air pockets by pressing the soil down around the plant. You don’t want to do that with pecan seedlings.

Place your seedling in the center of the hole and double check the hole is the correct depth. Using a garden hose, begin filling the hole with water. 

Don’t run the water on full blast or you may disrupt the soil too much.

Once the hole is filled ½ to ¾ of the way full, you can begin pushing dirt into the hole. Keep the water running as you fill in the hole with dirt. When the water reaches the top of the hole, you can turn it off and fill in the remainder of the hole with dirt. 

Using this method allows the wet soil to fill in around the roots without creating any air pockets.

You can level out the soil around the seedling if any settling occurs, but avoid being tempted to press the soil down.

Step 5: Protect The Trunk

The trunk of your seedling will be small and delicate at this stage and needs to be protected. Young, green trunks can get sunscald or be damaged by wildlife if you don’t protect them. 

You can protect the trunk using a tree wrap, tree guard, or grow tubes. We like these EasyFlex Tree Trunk Protectors because they’re easy to install and allow for airflow around the trunk while protecting it.

Step 6: Add ‘Mulch’

Now that your pecan seedling is in the ground, you’ll want to add a layer of pine straw 4 to 6 inches deep, 6 feet around the base of your pecan seedling.

Keeping weeds and grasses from growing within 6 feet of your pecan seedling will help eliminate competition for resources such as nutrients and water. 

You don’t want other plants stealing what your pecan seedling needs to grow!

Now that you’ve successfully planted your pecan seedlings, you’ll want to keep them healthy!

You don’t need an expensive mulch for a thriving tree, in fact, you can make your own! Read our article on how to make pine needle mulch for more info.

Watering Your Pecan Tree

Watering your pecan tree is one of the most important factors to keeping your pecan tree healthy.

If you don’t provide your pecan tree with enough water during each life stage, it will not grow as well as it should. Watering helps the root system grow and helps ensure pecans develop correctly.

Pecan trees can only survive 3 weeks without water. That’s why we recommend, at a bare minimum, watering your pecan tree every two weeks to keep it alive. However, you will need more water if you want to produce good quality pecans from your tree.

Watering Young Pecan Trees

After planting, you’ll want to water it weekly with 10 to 15 gallons of water.

Continue this watering routine until your tree produces flowers.

The root system is small during the first few years of growth and must be continually supplied with water, especially during the hottest parts of the year. 

Watering Fruit Producing Pecan Trees

Once your pecan tree produces flowers, you’ll need to use the deep watering method during the growing season to stimulate root and pecan growth.

Some pecan tree cultivars will start putting on a few nuts in year 3 or 4. Most will start producing a decent amount of pecans by year 7. 

The amount of water your pecan tree gets during the production season directly affects the quality of the pecans.

 If you want to ensure you get high-quality pecans from your tree, start watering using the deep watering method during the growing season.

Deep Watering Method

Deep watering means watering the soil to a depth of three to four feet, from the trunk to three feet past the tree’s drip line. 

You’ll want to make sure you give your trees at least the equivalent of 2 inches of rain each week. On average, a sprinkler puts out 1 inch of water per hour. 

You want the watering process to be slow since most of the roots for taking in water are in the top 1-2 feet of soil. Give the water time to soak into the ground rather than watering it so quickly the water runs off.

You can achieve this either with a soaker hose, or a sprinkler. If you decide to water by hand, water from the edge of the tree’s drip line. Don’t just water it at the base of the trunk.

Deep watering should be done from around March, when the buds start to swell, until October. Frequency depends on the soil type you have in your area. 

Water every 15 to 21 days for clay soils. For loam soils, water every 14 to 18 days. For sand soils, water every 7 to 10 days.

Once the growing season ends, around October, you can scale back on watering your mature pecan tree.

Fertilizing Your Pecan Tree

Along with proper watering, fertilizing your pecan tree will provide it with the nutrients it needs for optimal growth. 

During the first June after planting, it is recommended to add one pound of 5-10-15 fertilizer in a 5-foot by 5-foot area around the tree. Make sure you don’t get the fertilizer within 12 inches of the trunk or it could cause damage to the tree. 

During the second year, it is recommended to add one pound of 10-10-10 fertilizer to the same area twice in March and June. Continue this fertilizing schedule until your pecan trees start producing flowers.

Once your pecan tree produces flowers, you’ll want to add four pounds of 10-10-10 fertilizer per inch of trunk diameter at 4.5 feet above the ground. However, don’t add over 25 pounds per tree, no matter how big the trunk is. This should be done every March.

Soon you’ll be rewarded with plenty of delicious pecans!

Harvesting The ‘Fruits’ Of Your Labor

Yes, pecans are a fruit (botanically speaking)! They are classified as drupes which have a single stone or pit in the middle surrounded by a husk. Cherries, peaches, and plums are also drupes. 

Make sure you harvest your pecans as quickly as you can once they’re on the ground. Otherwise, you may lose them to animals or rot if the ground is wet. Store them in a cool dark place for 9 to 12 months. 

To learn more on other varieties of nuts, check out our article on 4 more varieties of hard nuts you can grow.

Summary

Now you know everything about how to select and plant your own pecan tree!

As long as you choose the right cultivar for your area, and keep it watered throughout the year, you will have a bountiful crop of pecans for years to come!

References

Fronza, D., Hamann, J.J., Both, V., Anese, R.D.O. and Meyer, E.A., 2018. Pecan cultivation: general aspects. Ciência Rural, 48.

Grauke, L.J. and Thompson, T.E., 1996. Variability in pecan flowering. Fruit Varieties Journal, 50, pp.140-150.

Originally cultivated in China and Central Asia before spreading to South and West Asia, North Africa, Japan, and eventually Europe, apricots are accustomed to growing in climates where they receive plenty of sunlight every day.

But even so, you might find yourself asking questions such as “why do apricots grow best in full sun?” and “how important is it really that my apricot trees get enough sunlight?” Well – let’s talk about it!

Apricot trees need full sun in order to have enough energy to absorb nutrients and reach their full growth potential.

Full sun is incredibly important when it comes to the healthy development of flowers, which in turn are vital to the production of fruit. Plenty of sunlight is also important for fruit ripening. 

In this article, we will further expand upon these points and also give you some helpful tips and additional information in the hopes that this might help you take care of your own apricot trees. 

3 Reasons Why Apricot Trees Grow Best In Full Sunlight 

While there are plenty of reasons why apricots grow best in full sun (which in the agriculture and gardening world means getting a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight on a daily basis), we’ve listed here some of the more important reasons! Let’s get to it!

1. Better Overall Growth

As you likely already know, sunlight is important for all plants and trees; the process of photosynthesis that they use to produce energy, absorb nutrients, and perform many other vital functions depends upon receiving an adequate amount of sunlight. 

And while some apricot tree cultivars can adapt to grow in partial shade, for the most part the majority of apricot trees need plenty of sunlight to grow, remain healthy, and reach their maximum potential. 

Like with most trees that prefer full sun, apricot trees that get adequate sunlight typically exhibit better growth and healthier foliage in comparison to apricot trees that do not receive enough direct natural light. 

2. Development of Flowers

As mentioned above, apricot trees need plenty of direct sunlight in order to grow properly and perform key biological functions. One of these processes is the development of flowers.  

Not only are the lovely blossoms that bloom on apricot trees aesthetically pleasing with a pleasant aroma, but they are also absolutely vital when it comes to the production of fruit (something which we will discuss next). 

Apricot trees that do not receive sufficient sunlight will often not bloom correctly, which in turn will have an impact on both your tree’s aesthetic appearance (something that can indeed be disappointing, particularly if you chose your apricot tree for landscaping purposes) as well as its overall productivity in terms of fruit. 

3. Fruit Production & Ripening 

Stone fruits such as apricots are also known by the more formal botanical name – Drupes. A Drupe, by definition, is a fruit that consists of soft flesh around a hardened pit. 

Since most varieties of apricot trees are self-pollinating, you shouldn’t need to worry about fertilization when it comes to fruit production (although in some cases cross-pollination can help increase overall productivity). You do, however, need to make sure that your trees receive plenty of sunlight in order for fruit to form. 

This is because (as we stated a moment ago) you need plenty of sunlight in order for your apricot trees to bloom. And apricot flowers, in turn, are absolutely necessary for the production of fruit. 

You Need Flowers To Produce Fruit

After all, apricot fruit is only ever produced as a result of flowers blooming. The flower then transitions into the reproductive stage once sufficient pollination has occurred! In fact, botanically speaking, the pits of these stone fruits are in fact the transformed ovaries of the apricot flowers themselves. 

Therefore, if your tree never flowers or those flowers don’t develop correctly due to a lack of direct sunlight, your tree will not produce fruit properly.

Furthermore, plenty of sunlight is important for not only fruit production but also fruit ripening. If your tree is not receiving enough direct sunlight it can become stressed, which in turn can lead to the apricots themselves not ripening properly. 

However, do be aware that new apricot trees will likely not flower or produce fruit and that this is nothing to be alarmed about. New trees, particularly young saplings, can take anywhere from two to four years to begin successfully producing fruit.

Care Tips For Growing Your Own Apricot Trees: Besides Sunlight, What Else Is Important? 

While making sure that your apricot tree gets enough sunlight is undoubtedly one of the most crucial parts of not only keeping your tree healthy but also ensuring optimum fruit production, there are plenty of other factors to keep in mind as well. 

Given that, we’ve listed here for you some of our top care tips for growing and maintaining apricot trees. 

Also, check out our article about trees that can damage your home, and guess what – apricots are actually a safe choice!

Pick The Right Tree For You

We’ll be discussing this particular subject more in-depth momentarily, but to start with it’s important to understand that there are quite a few different varieties of apricot trees.

You should make sure to select the type that will do best in your climate and planting conditions – and if you need help with this, contacting a professional will be your best plan of action.

Make Sure Your Tree Gets Enough Water

One of the most common stressors for apricot trees is drought; not getting enough water can have a seriously negative impact on your tree’s overall health as well as its ability to grow and produce fruit so always do your best to ensure adequate watering. 

Generally speaking, a good rule of thumb with apricot trees is to make sure they get an inch of water weekly.

In most cases, drip irrigation is the preferred method of watering for fruit trees such as apricots because it allows you a greater level of precision while also helping to get water directly to your tree’s root zone without splashing the bark and leaves. 

Ensure Proper Drainage

While apricot trees need plenty of water to remain healthy and productive, it’s also of critical importance that the soil they reside in does not become waterlogged. Soggy soil can result in serious damage to your tree’s roots, which in turn can have a negative impact on your trees overall health and wellbeing. 

If a tree’s roots are damaged, it will not be able to absorb oxygen and key nutrients; this can result in stunted growth, wilting, and other problems that have the potential to become long-term issues if not addressed. 

If necessary, consider using a soil amendment to promote better soil drainage. 

To learn more about apricot trees and how they can grow in rocky soil – click to check out our article!

Use Specialized Fertilizers To Encourage Growth And Fruit Production 

Depending on the quality of your native soil, sometimes using a fertilizer designed for fruit trees can help encourage more robust growth while also bolstering fruit production. 

Products such as Dr. Earth 708 P Organic 9 Fruit Tree Fertilizer and Winchester Gardens Fruit and Citrus Fertilizer Spikes can be very helpful when it comes to ensuring that your apricot tree gets all the nutrients it needs to remain healthy and provide you with plenty of delicious fruit. 

Make Sure Your Tree Is Well-Established Before Allowing It To Produce Fruit

As mentioned above, young and newly planted apricot trees will typically not produce fruit for the first couple of years; they need time to mature. 

That being said, sometimes you will see trees younger than two years begin to flower in preparation for producing fruit. While you can let this occur, if your tree is still quite young it’s strongly recommended that you remove the blossoms before they fully bloom and begin the fruit formation process. 

Why Should You Remove The Blossoms Early?

This is because allowing an apricot tree to flower before it is sufficiently mature has the potential to weaken the overall health of the tree. 

The reason is that a great deal of energy and nutrients goes into the formation of flowers and fruit, which in turn can have a detrimental effect on a young tree that is not yet fully established in its environment. 

Since that energy would be more useful for foliage growth and overall development at this stage of the tree’s life, it’s better to nip those flowers in the bud (rather literally in this case!). 

If you are unsure of your tree’s age or want to verify that it is mature enough to safely bear fruit, don’t hesitate to consult with an arborist or a fruit tree specialist. 

Thin Out The Fruit If Necessary

Once your tree is fully mature and begins producing fruit, in all likelihood (and assuming your tree is healthy) your tree will begin producing a lot of fruit. 

Depending on what size you want this fruit to ultimately be, you may want to thin the fruit out as it comes in; thinning out the fruit helps to prevent overcrowding and will allow the fruit left remaining on the branches of your tree to grow larger.

Be Aware Of Your Tree’s Temperature And Dormancy Requirements 

Some varieties of apricot trees require a period of dormancy or a certain number of chilling hours before they can flower and produce fruit; likewise, sometimes certain cultivars need temperatures high enough to break dormancy and flower. 

Make sure you do your research to determine what your tree needs and when during the year to expect it to both go dormant and reawaken to bloom. 

Growing Apricot Trees Indoors: Can It Be Done? 

Many people often ask “can apricot trees be grown indoors?”. Since these trees need plenty of sunlight, it’s a perfectly reasonable question, albeit one with an answer you might not expect: yes! Apricot trees can be grown indoors!

When growing apricot trees indoors, it’s strongly recommended that you select a dwarf cultivar rather than a full-size variety.

This is because you will be growing your tree in a pot or other large container, and dwarf trees are more suited to that than full-size trees.

Additionally, there is rarely space for a full-size fruit tree in the average person’s home, making dwarf cultivars the obvious choice for that reason as well. 

For more on growing fruit indoors, check out our helpful guide of the 7 best indoor fruit trees!

That’s A Wrap!

As you can see, while there can be a bit of variation in care depending upon the specific cultivar you choose to grow, it’s very important for all types of apricot trees to get plenty of direct natural light. 

As a reminder, some reasons for why apricot trees grow best in full sun include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Better overall health and growth 
• Better flowers during blooming season (trees that do not get enough sun often don’t flower correctly)
• Better fruit productivity 
• Fruit ripens faster and more thoroughly 

Additionally, when growing your own apricot trees, it’s advisable to keep in mind the following tips:

• Select the right cultivar for your climate and region (for example, choose one of the more cold-hardy varieties if you live in an area that experiences colder temperatures)
• Plant your tree in a location where it will receive six to eight hours of direct sunlight a day (and if growing your apricot tree indoors, place it in or near a south-facing window)
• Make sure your tree gets enough water (an inch a week is the norm)
• Ensure good drainage; waterlogged soil can cause root damage
• Give your tree the necessary time to mature before bearing fruit
• Fertilize as necessary to ensure optimal growth and encourage flower/fruit production
• If you want larger apricots, thin out the fruit so they have more space to grow on the branches
• When in doubt (or if your tree begins to do poorly without explanation) consult with an arborist. Books such as The Fruit Gardener’s Bible: A Complete Guide to Growing Fruits and Nuts in the Home Garden and Backyard Fruit Production can also be a good resource for anyone looking for extra reading material on the subject of growing fruit trees such as apricots at home. 

We hope that you found this information helpful for understanding not only why full sun is important for apricot trees but also what other steps you should take to keep your own trees healthy and productive. 

References:

Person. (1995, August 18). Apricot: 20: Handbook of Fruit Science and Technology: V. M. Ghorpa. Taylor & Francis. 

Khasawneh, A. E.-R., Alsmairat, N., Othman, Y. A., Ayad, J. Y., Al-Hajaj, H., & Qrunfleh, I. M. (2022, May 26). Controlled-release nitrogen fertilizers for improving yield and fruit quality of young Apricot Trees. Scientia Horticulturae.

Ruiz, D., Campoy, J. A., & Egea, J. (2007, June 23). Chilling and heat requirements of apricot cultivars for flowering. Environmental and Experimental Botany.

Ash trees can be a lovely and useful addition to any yard, providing beautiful foliage and ample shade. The base of the trees, though, can sometimes look a bit bare.

If you want to add some greenery or even some flowers to the base of your ash tree, there are a number of things to keep in mind, as some plants will thrive there, but others will not survive. 

The main things to keep in mind when choosing plants for under your ash tree are that the plants must be shade-tolerant and root-tolerant, and need a lot of water!

The best plants to plant under an ash tree are shade perennials.

Read on for all the info you need to make the best choices for your ash tree and your yard. If you are unsure of which plants will thrive under your ash tree – we always recommend contacting a local arborist!

Some Basic Guidelines For Choosing Plants To Grow Under An Ash Tree

Ash trees can grow to be quite large, with a canopy of up to 50 feet, so any plant underneath an ash tree must be a shade plant. 

Ash trees also have large root systems, so you will need to make sure that anything planted underneath is root-tolerant, meaning that its own roots will not have to compete with those of the tree and the roots of the tree will not disrupt the growth of the plant. 

Luckily, there are many plants that not only thrive in shade but are also easy to care for, particularly if you live in an environment that gets plenty of rain.

And even if you do not live in a climate with adequate rain, as long as you have a sprinkler system or are willing to do some watering with your garden hose every few days, you can choose from any of these plants under your ash tree!

Ten Great Plants To Grow Under An Ash Tree

Without further ado – let’s just get to it. There are 10 amazing choices for plants to grow under your ash tree, so let’s dive a little deeper and talk more about them.

And contrary to this article, if you’re looking for a list of plants to not plant, head on over to our article about which plants to not plant under your ash tree.

Hostas Thrive Under Ash Trees

There are many different varieties of hosta, and they are all great contenders for a plant to live under your ash tree.

Hostas thrive in shade, so the shade provided by your ash tree will be welcoming to them.

Hostas do require watering, so if you live in a dry climate like the high desert, you will need to set up a sprinkler system or water them every day or two with your garden hose. They do not require a great deal of water, but if you do not get regular rain, you will have to help them out. 

Types Of Hostas To Plant Under Your Ash Tree

Whirlwind Hosta

These plants have characteristic green leaves with white segments in the middle. They also have purple flowers in the summer.

This hosta is particularly interesting to those who enjoy the fall foliage, as it is one of the varieties of hosta with leaves that change color.

While these leaves don’t change as a tree’s leaves typically do, the color of the leaves will change in shades of white and green until the plant goes dormant for the winter. 

Komodo Dragon Hosta:

If you are looking for a hosta with giant leaves and a super cool name, you should consider planting the Komodo Dragon Hosta.

This plant is one of the biggest varieties of hosta, growing to as large as seven feet around and three feet tall.

If you plant this hosta under your ash tree, make sure that you plant it far from other plants, as it will eventually be very big and can take over the space of the other plants around it.

The Komodo Dragon Hosta also has very interesting coloration. It typically has dark green leaves, but they can take on a purplish hue at times.

Gold Standard Hosta

If you are looking for a plant under your ash tree that is likely to change to more typical autumnal colors in the fall, look no further than the Gold Standard Hosta, which is named for the color of its leaves in the summer.

This plant will give your yard a jump start on fall colors, as the leaves of this hosta will turn golden in the summertime, before the leaves on your ash tree begin to change.

Halcyon Hosta

These plants have green leaves with a blue hue to them, and they produce purple flowers, so they are a very interesting addition to any garden. Halcyon hostas are also very easy to care for.

As long as you water them and have planted them in good soil, they will come back year after year.

Frances Williams Hosta

These hostas have large green leaves and look like the standard hostas you might see in many yards under trees.

This variety is a medium-sized hosta, so you can plant several of these in a ring under your ash tree.

Fun fact: these plants are, according to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, named for Frances Rope Williams, a botanist who graduated from MIT in 1904. 

Ground Cover Plants Are Perfect To Grow Under Ash Trees

If individual plants do not provide the look you want under your ash tree, or you want to plant something else to fill in the gaps between your plants, you can choose ground-cover plants that grow in the shade.

Ground cover plants do exactly what their name implies–they cover the ground. These plants are sometimes used in flower beds, around bushes, or to cover entire yards. You can use them to cover the ground around the base of your ash tree. 

Here are two types of ground cover plants that are particularly easy to grow under ash trees:

Coral Bells

Coral bells are ground-cover plants that come in many varieties. They also come in a wide range of colors, from green and yellow to purple and red. Their formal name is heuchera, but they are most commonly called coral bells.

Coral bells are easy to grow, thrive in the shade, and come back every year. They also grow flowers. Coral bells can be grown in many different types of soil, and they are not picky about where they are planted.

If you live in a dry climate, the coral bells will be fine as long as they get a little water now and then. If you live in a humid climate, the coral bells will do well in that environment, too.

Coral bells have a number of varieties, including Blackberry Ice, Gold Zebra, Peppermint Spice, Midnight Rose, and Amber Waves.

Bugleweed

Despite its name, this ground cover plant is nothing close to an unsightly or bothersome weed. Bugleweed actually grows into a carpet of greenery that produces bright purple flowers in the late spring and early summer.

Like coral bells, bugleweed is a sort of plant and forget plant. It does not require much attention or care. It can tolerate a number of environmental conditions, and can even grow in dry soil, though it does a little better with some watering (So see below for some tips on how to water the plants under your ash tree without having to spend a lot of time!).

All in all, bugleweed is another easy and lovely addition to the plants under your ash tree, especially if you are looking for something low-maintenance that blooms in the spring and summer. 

Ferns Grow Great Under Ash Trees

Particularly if you live in a humid climate with lots of rainfall, you might want to consider planting ferns under your ash tree.

Ferns are a difficult choice for those who live in very dry climates unless you have a great sprinkler system or are willing to spend some time outside almost every day spraying the plants with your garden hose. 

The best watering options for outdoor ferns are natural rainfall, sprinklers, or a gentle setting on your garden hose sprayer. You can also set up a hose-attached sprinkler next to your ferns if you want to turn on the hose and walk away; a time would work well with this method, too. 

For more on watering, check out our article on how much to water your ash tree.

Types Of Ferns

Ferns come in many different varieties. One of the most popular is the Boston fern, which can grow to be very large and is often seen in hanging baskets.

But Boston ferns grow very well in other types of containers, too, as long as they are properly watered and do not receive a lot of direct sunlight. This light requirement makes them a great option for under an ash tree. 

If the base of your ash tree receives some shade, you can opt for the Wood Fern, which can thrive in varying light conditions.

Wood Ferns are a great option if you are not thrilled at the prospect of regular watering, but really want the appearance of ferns under your ash tree.

Christmas Roses Are Amazing Under Ash Trees

The last plant on our list is a particularly interesting one. Hellebore, more commonly known as Christmas Rose, can provide a shade-tolerant plant under your ash tree that.

According to the University of Missouri, the Christmas Rose blooms in the wintertime if you live in a mild climate. If you live somewhere very warm or very cold, the flowering time will vary.

This is why it has its name since it blooms during the winter and Christmas seasons!

These plants are not as easy to grow as most of the others on our list, but if you are looking for an interesting addition to the plants under your ash tree that might also provide some beautiful blooms at a time of year when most plants have died or gone dormant, this might be one to consider. 

Some Tips For Watering

Remember that all of these plants require regular watering, so make sure to assess your yard’s environment. Does it get adequate rainfall, or do you need to supplement your plants’ water with a sprinkler or garden hose? 

If the idea of standing outside with a hose every day does not appeal to you, but you do not have a sprinkler system, you can always make two simple purchases to make watering easier. 

The first item that can simplify your plant watering is a soaker hose, like this Rocky Mountain Goods Soaker Hose. A soaker hose is a good choice for the base of a tree, as you can wrap it around the entire base and place it exactly where you want the water to reach your plants.

To make using your soaker hose even easier, add a timer to your hose, like this Orbit Single-Outlet Hose Watering Timer that attaches to your house at the faucet and gives you several options for times to turn the water on and off. 

Together, the timer and soaker hose can deliver regular water to all the plants under your tree, without you having to set up an underground sprinkler system or step outside every evening or two to water the plants yourself. 

Don’t Forget About The Soil

If the soil under your ash tree is not very hospitable to plants, you can use containers under your ash tree instead of planting plants directly in the ground beneath it. 

Ash trees do have rather complex root systems, with the shoots growing before the roots do, so you might find that you encounter a number of roots as you dig into the soil.

If you are concerned about your ash tree’s root system, you can also try planting your plants a little further out from the base of the tree, as some ash trees have been found to have finer root systems closer to the root systems of other competing trees.

For more information on ash tree roots, and an ash tree’s growth timeline, head on over to our article to learn how long it takes an ash tree to grow! And get this – it cant take 15 years for it to reach maturity, so you can imagine how complex those root systems get in 15 years!

Give Your Plants Some Food!

You can give your plants an advantage by helping them out with some additional growing agents, like Miracle-Gro Shake ‘N Feed All Purpose Plant Food, which will help give your tree the nutrients they need.

You can shake this out around the roots of your plants, whether they are in the ground under your tree or placed around the base of the tree in containers. 

And if you prefer an organic option, look into Miracle-Gro Performance Organics All Purpose Plant Nutrition Granules. 

Any of these agents can give an added boost to help your plants establish themselves in their first year or to make them grow bigger and stronger throughout their lives. 

That’s A Wrap!

Now you are ready to make the area underneath your ash tree look vibrant with a number of plants that can thrive under an ash tree.

As long as you keep in mind the optimal level of sunlight your plants need, the amount of watering they require, and the root system of your ash tree, these plants should grow and even come back year after year. 

Enjoy your gardening!

References

Qing-cheng, Wang (2022). “Spatial distribution of fine roots of larch and ash in mixed plantation stand.” Journal of Forestry Research, 13, 265-268.

Harris, J. Roger and Nina L. Bassuk (1995). “Root and Shoot Growth Periodicity of Green Ash, Scarlet Oak, Turkish Hazelnut, and Tree Lilac.” Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science, 120.2, 211-216. 

Ash trees are one of the most common trees in North America, with many varieties found in the United States.

While the number of ash trees in the country has been drastically reduced by the emerald ash borer infestation of the past two decades, many people are working to restore ash trees to their original numbers – and keep them growing as long as possible!

The average life of an ash tree is between 100 and 200 years, depending on the type of ash tree. And with proper preparation and care, some types of ash trees can live for as long as 300 years!

The best way to extend the lifespan of your ash tree is to learn just what it takes to keep it healthy and prevent pests and diseases.

Read on for all the info you need to grow your ash tree to its healthiest potential and set it up to live as long as possible–long enough even for future generations to enjoy. 

Why You Should Consider Planting An Ash Tree

Ash trees are lovely trees with beautiful green foliage in spring and summer, plus fall foliage that usually involves yellow leaves, though some trees can have varying autumnal colors.

Ash trees make great shade trees, too, so if you are looking to add some shade to your yard or garden, they can be a great pick.

But there are a number of other reasons to consider an ash tree for your yard. 

Ash Trees Are Critically Endangered

Another reason to consider planting an ash tree is that these trees are, in many parts of the country, officially designated as critically endangered.

The reason for their endangerment is the infestation of beetles called emerald ash borers (more on that below), but with the proper prevention and care, ash trees can survive this threat.

Planting an ash tree–or several–in your yard is a great way to help repopulate these once-prolific trees in the United States, particularly the eastern part of the United States. 

Ash Trees Produce Valuable Wood

Ash trees also produce valuable wood. If you want to plant just one or two around your home, this probably does not make a big difference to you, but if you are interested in planting lots of ash trees for their wood, you might consider the value of their lumber.

One of the most famous items made from ash wood is the good old baseball bat. Baseball bats have long been made from ash wood because the wood is rather soft and flexible, making it good for hitting baseballs without too much rigidity.

Specifically, baseball bats are most often made from the wood of white ash trees, which is one of the most common types of ash trees in North America. 

Ash Trees Are A Natural Habitat For Many Birds And Animals

Ash trees are a hospitable environment for many creatures, both birds and other types of woodland animals. 

Ash trees are also home to many North American creatures, including birds like woodpeckers. Woodpeckers even eat the emerald ash borers in ash trees, so they can be quite helpful in aiding the care of your new tree!

Too much activity on your ash tree from woodpeckers, though, can be a sign of emerald ash borer infestation, so keep an eye out.

A few woodpeckers might mean nothing, but a lot of woodpeckers attacking your tree on a regular basis is probably a red flag.

Other animals live in ash trees, too, like squirrels.

The samaras of ash trees–the little whirling seeds that fall in a spiral from the tree–are eaten by many forest animals like foxes, mice, and wood ducks. And the bark is eaten by animals such as rabbits and porcupines.

Ash trees are an important part of many forest ecosystems, and even one planted in your yard can contribute.  

Plus, ash trees are extremely fast-growing. For more information on an ash tree’s growth timeline – head on over to our article!

Now that you have considered whether ash trees are right for your land or yard, keep reading to find out how to best plant your ash tree seedling and get it growing strong and healthy from the very beginning. 

Planting Your Ash Tree

There are a number of things to consider before you plant your ash tree, like location, time of year to plant, proximity to your house or other buildings, proximity to other plants and trees, and the likelihood of your being able to properly care for the tree as it grows to maturity. 

The ash tree is easy to grow and is not picky about where it is planted, so most of these decisions are fairly easy. You mainly get to decide for yourself where you would like your tree to grow!

The best time to plant your ash tree may actually surprise you! In fact, head on over to our article to learn more in-depth information about when to plant your ash tree!

The Best Time Of Year To Plant

The best time of year to plant is usually springtime, as this will give your ash tree the longest possible period of time to establish its roots in the ground.

Having a great base will help the tree withstand the cold, harsh winter months. If you cannot plant in springtime, or perhaps just do not want to wait that long, fall is another great season for planting trees. 

Planting In The Spring

To plant in springtime, wait until you are confident that your yard will not undergo another freeze or frost. This time will vary depending on where you live or even what kind of spring season you are having. 

Look out for what is commonly called “blackberry winters,” when the temperatures have been very mild or even warm, and then there is a sudden cold snap. If this happens after you have planted your tree, don’t panic. All is not lost.

As soon as you see in the forecast that a cold snap is coming, make the necessary preparations by covering your tree with bags like these Refasen Plant Covers you can help protect it from frost or even ice and snow, for freeze protection.

Planting In The Fall

If you choose to plant in autumn instead of spring, you give your tree the advantage of establishing its roots before the heat and drought of summertime.

So planting in the spring might be a good choice for cooler climates, whereas planting in fall might be advantageous if you live in a very hot and/or very dry environment. 

The process of planting in the fall is very similar to the process of planting in the spring. You still have to look out for early frosts and freezes, so try to plant once the heat of summer has passed but before snow and ice arrive.

If a sudden cold snap does appear on your weather forecast, follow the same tips as you would use for planting in springtime: water the plant before the cold arrives, cover the tree, and protect it from the cover. 

What To Do Before The Cold Weather Comes

Before the cold weather comes, water the tree so it can take in as much water as possible. This may seem counterintuitive, but it will keep the tree hydrated throughout the time you cannot water it due to freezing temperatures, and it will actually help the tree stay warmer. 

Make sure that, when you cover your tree, you use some type of frame to keep the bag from pressing too much on the leaves, especially if there is snow or ice in your forecast.

Your goal is to keep the tree warm and insulated inside the bag, but not to let the bag damage the leaves (if there are any yet) or branches. Once the weather warms again, remove the bag from your tree and, if the ground is not frozen, water it again. 

Where To Plant Your New Ash Tree

Ash trees can live most anywhere, so you do not have to worry about picking the exact right spot. In fact, you can mostly make this decision based on where you want the tree to go, as the tree is able to flourish just about anywhere.

Don’t plant an ash tree too close to your house, though. When the branches reach maturity, you don’t want them touching any buildings.

According to New Mexico State University, it is best to aim to plant your tree about 20 feet from your house. This will keep the branches safely away. 

Choose A Spot That Needs Shade

Ash trees are amazing shade trees – so amazing, that we have an entire article about why ash trees make amazing shade trees! Since they have huge canopies, are versatile, and grow fast – they’re amazing at providing shade.

Knowing this you should choose a spot where you need more shade or that you would like to make cooler, like a patio or backyard area to plant your ash tree in.

Keep in mind that the shady area will grow as the tree does, so be aware of places where you may have carefully cultivated a garden of sun-loving flowers so that you do not eventually have to move it when the tree reaches maturity and its canopy shades your once-sunny spot. 

Caring For Your Ash Tree

Ash trees are very hardy trees that require almost no routine care. They grow well with varying amounts of water, and they do not require special soil or care. You can prune them (more on that below), but you do not have to.

Basic care of your ash tree comes down to one very important thing: insect control. 

Protecting Your Ash Tree From Emerald Ash Borers

The number one thing that will shorten the lifespan of your ash tree is an infestation of emerald ash borers. Emerald ash borers are beetles that were discovered in the United States (first in Michigan) in 2002.

In the twenty years since they were first discovered, these little beetles have quickly and drastically impacted the population of many varieties of ash trees in the United States.

The number of ash trees killed by emerald ash borers is in the millions. Infestations have also impacted the number of seeds being produced, meaning that fewer new ash trees are growing in the forests. 

But despite the severity of the infestation, progress is being made in restoring ash tree populations. While you might hear a lot of negative information about planting ash trees because of this insect threat, you can successfully grow a healthy ash tree with the right preparation and care. 

The Best Method To Keep Your Ash Tree Safe From Emerald Ash Borers

The only proven way to protect ash trees from emerald ash borers is to use insecticides that kill the emerald ash borers.

There are a number of products you can choose from, like BioAdvanced 12 Month Tree & Shrub Protect & Feed, which specifically addresses emerald ash borers. 

If you have recently planted your ash tree, you should start as soon as possible treating it for emerald ash borers to prevent them from setting up their homes in your new tree. If you are reading this to help care for and elongate the life of an already-mature ash tree, these products will work just as well. 

What To Do If Your Ash Tree Is Already Infested With Emerald Ash Borers

If your ash tree is already infested with emerald ash borers, you do need to take the situation very seriously, as many ash trees are killed this way. 

One tactic you can take is to employ the help of a professional.

Tree professionals can help get rid of the emerald ash borers with specialized methods like injecting treatments into the trunk of your tree. You can also employ professionals to regularly treat your tree with preventative measures so that another infestation does not occur. 

If you want to try treating the tree yourself, move quickly, and don’t delay in seeking professional help if your methods do not seem to be working fast enough. Ash trees can die very quickly once emerald ash borers have set up in their trunks, so do not wait too long. 

How To Tell If There Are Emerald Ash Borers In Your Tree

Emerald ash borers are difficult to see, as they usually live underneath the bark of ash trees. To determine whether there are emerald ash borers in your tree, there are some telltale signs to look for.

These are some symptoms of ash trees infested with emerald ash borers:

• Leaves are dying in the canopy of your ash tree (not due to normal winter leaf fall).
  
• New leaves or twigs are sprouting when it is not the normal season for them to do so. 
  
• Your ash tree is suffering a great deal of damage from woodpeckers. This could be because the woodpeckers are intensely pecking your tree as they try to reach emerald ash borers under the bark. 
  
• There are holes in your ash tree in the shape of the letter “D.”
  
• The bark is splitting on your ash tree’s trunk, and underneath you can see s-shaped paths that have been carved by the emerald ash borers. 

Some Final Takeaways About Emerald Ash Borer Infestation

While infestation in your ash tree of emerald ash borers is very serious, it does not always mean the death of your tree.

But in order to keep your tree living as long as possible, you need to take measures to prevent the emerald ash borers from killing your ash tree or to remove them if they are already there and make sure you prevent their return. 

Other Ways To Extend The Life Of Your Ash Tree

Ash trees grow wild in forests all over North America, so they are trees that are very capable of doing well without any intervention from humans at all (except for emerald ash borer infestation).

But while the following methods are not absolutely necessary for the care of your ash tree, they can help it grow faster and stronger, and they can help not only set the tree up for a long, healthy life but also keep the tree looking healthy for as long as possible, too. 

Pruning Your Ash Tree

It is not actually necessary to prune your ash tree, but doing so can help in a couple of different ways.

Ash trees actually produce a fair number of dead branches, especially in the lower parts of the tree. This is not a sign of the tree’s death, but just a normal process throughout the tree’s life. 

A reason to remove dead branches from your ash tree is that they will remove dead weight from the tree, which can help its branches survive events like ice storms or heavy snowfall. 

The best time to prune trees is in late winter, so depending on where you live, probably be February or even March. You can also hire a professional tree service to remove the dead branches for you. 

Using Fertilizer To Help Your Tree Grow And Stay Healthy

Another tactic that is not necessary but might give your tree a special advantage is to use fertilizer or plant food, like Miracle-Gro Tree & Shrub Plant Food Spikes.

These are easy to use and do not have to be replaced very often, so you might find them to be a great supplementary tool to help give your ash tree some extra nutrition. 

Enjoying Your Ash Tree’s Long Life

With proper preventive care for its biggest threat, the emerald ash borer, an ash tree can live a very long life with very little maintenance. Ash trees have been known to live for hundreds of years, so the probability of yours becoming a legacy tree is very high.

Ash trees are one of the most prolific trees in North America, populating many forests and lining many suburban streets. You can benefit from this versatile tree by planting one or more near your own home. 

For more information about enjoying the beauty of an ash tree in your yard, check out our posts on “10 Plants To Plant Under Your Ash Tree” and “8 Plants Not To Plant Under Your Ash Tree” (links TBD). 

Now enjoy this new shady addition to your yard for years to come!

References

Herms, D. A., & McCullough, D. G. (2014). Emerald ash borer invasion of North America: history, biology, ecology, impacts, and management. Annual review of entomology, 59(1), 13-30.

Klooster, Wendy S., Kamal J. K. Gandhi, Lawrence C. Long, Kayla I. Perry, Kevin B. Rice, and Daniel A. Herms (2018). “Ecological Impacts of Emerald Ash Borer in Forests at the Epicenter of the Invasion in North America” Forests 9, 5: 250. https://doi.org/10.3390/f9050250