It’s all about the shade in Arizona, especially during the summer. People and animals search for a shady spot to cool off, or protection when stuck in a storm. It also provides the perfect space for a picnic or for children to play.
The majestic ash tree is known for its beauty. It grows straight up, and its leaves are thick and close together, preventing sunlight from shining through. If you like a shrub that requires little sun or partial sun, plant it under majestic ash for just the right coverage.
It’s shiny green leaves only add to its appeal. Many say the Majestic Ash tree can influence home buyers looking for a yard with large shade trees, that require minimal upkeep and are pest resistant. However, these trees are not suitable for small residences with little land.
This tree sounds too good to be true. But it’s all true.
Below are tips for caring for the Majestic Ash, which is relatively easy, if you ask any Phoenix area arborists.
Majestic Ash Growth
If you plant a young tree, it may need protection if the Arizona winter becomes too cold or harsh. Freezing temperatures will kill younger branches and twigs. It will also defoliate any tree, no matter its size.
Larger trees are sturdier and can grow to 80 feet tall and 60 feet wide. They need full sun and occasional watering if Phoenix doesn’t get rain regularly.
Pruning
Pruning a tree is tricky. Pruning the Majestic Ash should be done by an Arizona licensed and insured tree expert. Because the tree can grow so large, safety measures need to be taken when pruning. Local Phoenix arborists have the safety equipment, lifters, and everything else required to prune this ash tree the correct way.
Majestic Ash trees have an elevated canopy. To keep its integrity, you need a professional who knows how to maintain its shape without scarring the tree.
The Majestic Ash leaflets it produces, which include up to nine leaves per leaflet, are attached to branches that can become coarse over time, making pruning more difficult. This is something a tree care provider is skilled at handling.
Diseases and Pests
The Majestic Ash is noted as being resisted to both disease and pests. Many ash trees encounter diseases, like ash tree decline, ash yellows, or ash anthracnose. Ash yellows slow the tree’s growth to the point at which it stops growing and begins to die.
Anthracnose results in the killing of twigs and shoots and create defoliation problems.
This is not true for the Majestic Ash, however, which does not experience diseases like these.
You may encounter mites on a Majestic Ash tree, but believe it or not, this indicates your tree is thriving since mites are attracted to healthy trees.
It is always best to have your tree evaluated by a Phoenix tree company to make sure your diagnosis is correct, and what to do if it is not.
Companion Plants
Because the Majestic Ash tree’s canopy spreads wide and grows tall, plants and shrubs that don’t need a lot of sun can thrive if planted around its trunk. Phoenix arborists have found it can shade out weeds and Bermuda grass because the sun can’t break through the thick leaves of this ash tree.
Trees often recommended for planting with the Majestic Ash in Arizona are the Mimosa tree, Golden Raintree, and the Newport Purple Leaf Plum tree.
Where NOT To Plant Majestic Ash
Before you start planning the Majestic Ash around walkways, driveways, or any other area you don’t want to see weeds, check with your local tree company. You want to get confirmation the root system and canopy can’t harm the area first.
The roots of this tree do grow on top of the ground as well as below. You may have noticed the roots on top of the ground can be thick and bulky. Picture these roots encountering your paved driveway. The connection could be disastrous for your driveway.
The canopy has many leaves, which means many branches that can break and harm anything or anyone below.
It just makes sense to contact a tree expert in Phoenix when you have any landscaping issues that can turn from a small problem to a massive ordeal in no time. Be safe, call for help so that you can enjoy your Majestic Ash.
