Even if the ash is a very frugal deciduous tree, it needs a little care. Trees in particular often require regular pruning due to their strong growth. How often you should reach for the scissors and to what length you shorten the branches depends on the type of tree. Read here whether and when pruning of the ash is necessary.
Ash trees do not necessarily have to be cut
When is a pruning necessary?
Since ash trees grow very straight and regularly, a radical pruning is not absolutely necessary. However, the prerequisite is that your garden offers enough space. With a growth height of up to 40 meters, ash trees are not only one of the largest deciduous trees in Germany, they also literally shoot up in a short time. If the spreading crown gets in the way of parts of the building, you should definitely shorten the branches for your safety.
The right time
Ash is best pruned in early spring, late February or early March. It is important that the pruning takes place before the budding.
Important instructions
When cutting the ash you should consider the following:
- to reach the branches of the high crown you need a stable ladder
- a radical pruning is often not necessary. Limit yourself to thinning out the crown
- stop your work temporarily and check from a distance that you have cut the branches evenly in relation to their length. A rude cut that disfigures the ash can even legally make you pay
- if you are inexperienced, it is best to get help from a gardening company
Legal regulations
The Federal Nature Conservation Act stipulates that ash trees may only be cut with permission from the respective office. The primary aim is to protect animals that use the deciduous tree as a habitat. The regulations vary from state to state. You should therefore inquire with the responsible authority beforehand.