The Ash tree, Fraxinus excelsior, was once one of the most commonly found trees in Devon. At one point estimated to represent 22% of all broadleaved trees in the county, Ash are a common feature of the Devon hedge as well as being widespread throughout both woodland and urban environments. Tragically our population of mature Ash trees, once assessed to number several millions, has been devastated by Ash Dieback Disease (ADD), also known as “Chalara”. It is estimated that Devon will lose up to 95% of all it’s woodland Ash and 50% of all it’s roadside Ash by the time the disease has begun to decline. As well as destroying a large stock of beautiful, well established trees, this loss will have notable consequences for our biodiversity and as such the mitigation of ADD is high priority job for a huge range of people, tree surgeons included.
A view up the stem of an Ash into it’s canopy
Growing up to 40 metres in height, Ash are tall, graceful trees which can live for 400 years, or longer when managed through coppicing. When growing in woodlands they are often found growing in groups or “stands”, forming a key landscape feature - and unfortunately hastening the spread of ADD, which is more easily spread between trees which are close to each other. They produce large tassels of helicopter seeds which can give them almost a shaggy look! Their feathery leaves, similar to those found on a Rowan, fall before changing colour in the Autumn and are usually one of the last leaves to reappear in the spring. Finally, Ash produce distinctive, sticky, sooty black buds which can be spotted after leaf fall and help to identify the tree in the winter months.
Ash trees have a very high biodiversity value. Some birds and beasts eat the seeds, and birds like woodpeckers and owls often use it for their roosts. A companionable tree, Ash is often found growing with a number of other species, such as Hazel, and the dense canopy creates a perfect dappled forest floor environment, allowing species like dog violet and wild garlic to thrive. The trunks of the trees are often covered in mosses and lichens, which in turn can promote a variety of insect and bacterial life, creating a rich local ecosystem.
In cultural terms, Ash trees have long held a place of legendary importance, being one of the three trees sacred to the Celtic druids. The Norse tree of life, Yggdrasil, was an Ash tree, and Ash has long been considered to have protective, healing properties, particularly in relation to children. In fact, in some areas of Britain it was believed that Ash trees could even help heal broken bones, with rituals being recorded in which an injured child was passed through a split or cleft made in an Ash tree which would then be bound closed; if the cleft healed, then the child would heal as well.
Ash produces excellent timber with a fine straight grain and a lovely, light colour. It makes beautiful, sturdy furniture, as well as being used for wooden handles for high impact tools like axes due to the unusually high tensile strength of the timber. It also makes wonderful firewood when properly seasoned (and can even burn well whilst still green!). In Devon it has long been used for the “Ashen Faggot”, a fiery Christmas tradition still practiced across the county and found in numerous pubs today.
A mature Ash tree above Pilsdon, Dorset
Sadly there are few notable Ash trees left in Devon, although it is still possible to come across a fine mature specimen or one which has been maintained through pollarding. A good place to start is by finding local place names with “ash” in them, as these usually denote a place where Ash trees have historically been in abundance. Ashburton, on the south side of Dartmoor, is one such place, as are Ashclyst, Ashbury, Ashprington, Ashwater, and, unsurprisingly, Ash, amongst several others.
If you have Ash trees on your land or near your property it is strongly advised that you have them regularly assessed and that you familiarise yourself with the signs of ADD. There are a number of schemes in place to help mitigate the loss of our Ash trees; for example, Devon County Council is offering a free tree scheme to landowners across Devon, and The Woodland Trust runs a free trees for schools and communities scheme as well.
If you have Ash trees which you would like to be inspected or you would like some advice on Ash tree maintenance or replacement don’t hesitate to get in touch with us - we’ll be happy to help!