Ash saplings

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

  1. ALAN PETER

    ALAN PETER Apprentice Gardener

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    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?
     
    ALAN PETER, Jul 5, 2011
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  2. Evil Len

    Evil Len Nag a ram

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    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 :)
     
    Evil Len, Aug 22, 2011
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  3. pete

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

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    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.
     
    pete, Aug 22, 2011
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  4. shiney

    shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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    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:
     
    shiney, Aug 22, 2011
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  5. Paladin

    Paladin Gardening...A work of Heart

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    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:
     
    Paladin, Aug 23, 2011
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