Ash saplings

Discussion in 'Trees' started by ALAN PETER, Jul 5, 2011.

  1. ALAN PETER

    ALAN PETER Apprentice Gardener

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2011
    Messages:
    1
    Ratings:
    +0
    We have dozens of self seeded ash saplings among our shrubberies and hedges.

    WIll cutting them off at ground level kill them as we will find it difficult to dig them out?
     
  2. Evil Len

    Evil Len Nag a ram

    Joined:
    Aug 18, 2011
    Messages:
    382
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Stoke Golding
    Ratings:
    +199
    I must have taken 70-80 of these out of my new garden over the last 2 months ... half the green in the garden was saplings !!

    Pull out the little ones, cut off the big ones at ground level and treat to a weedkiller (preferably one that does stumps and tough weeds) until it stops trying to come back :)
     
  3. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2005
    Messages:
    53,328
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Mid Kent
    Ratings:
    +100,982
    I think you need to dig them out, cutting off will only work if you catch them very early in the spring as they germinate.

    Now is too late.
     
  4. shiney

    shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jul 3, 2006
    Messages:
    65,363
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired - Last Century!!!
    Location:
    Herts/Essex border. Zone 8b
    Ratings:
    +128,390
    Simple answer - No!!!!

    It's bad news. :(

    If you just cut them off at ground level they will get thicker and thicker and produce more side branches. Weed killing is the only way if you can't get there to dig them out. Their taproot is very strong and goes very deep.

    You also need to keep an eye open for baby seedlings. Even one year old ones can be difficult. Is there an ash tree near you? If there is you are going to need to be able to recognise them when they are young. We had a fully mature 70ft ash tree removed 30 years ago (cut down and stump ground out) and it didn't come back - but we are digging out about 100 seedlings a year in an area 100ft on each side.

    You soon get used to identifying them and they are not difficult to remove when only 6" high. You should try pulling the small ones out but if they resist too much don't pull so hard that they break off. Just dig them out.

    The joys of gardening :rolleyespink: :DOH:
     
  5. Paladin

    Paladin Gardening...A work of Heart

    Joined:
    May 13, 2005
    Messages:
    12,748
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired but still grubbing the soil.
    Location:
    Broadway UK
    Ratings:
    +770
    Goodness me(polite aint I:heehee:),what a pain they are!...I take to all fours and scour my borders grubbing out the blighters:mute:
     
Loading...

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice