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?
     
    ALAN PETER, Jul 5, 2011
    #1 Quote in Conversation
  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 :)
     
    Evil Len, Aug 22, 2011
    #2 Quote in Conversation
  3. pete

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

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2005
    Messages:
    56,520
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Mid Kent
    Ratings:
    +110,417
    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
    #3 Quote in Conversation
  4. shiney

    shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jul 3, 2006
    Messages:
    67,315
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired - Last Century!!!
    Location:
    Herts/Essex border. Zone 8b
    Ratings:
    +134,258
    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
    #4 Quote in Conversation
  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:
     
    Paladin, Aug 23, 2011
    #5 Quote in Conversation
Loading...
Similar Threads - Ash saplings
  1. Barders

    Ash Tree Saplings? Cut out or donate?

    Barders, May 18, 2024, in forum: NEW Gardeners !
    Replies:
    3
    Views:
    1,183
    fairygirl
    May 18, 2024
  2. BobMcFish

    Can anyone please tell me about these squashes

    BobMcFish, Nov 21, 2025, in forum: Edible Gardening
    Replies:
    26
    Views:
    1,093
    BobMcFish
    Nov 29, 2025
  3. Palustris

    Beeches Nursery in Ashdon near Cambridge

    Palustris, Sep 27, 2025, in forum: Freebies, Offers & Bargains
    Replies:
    2
    Views:
    585
    micearguers
    Sep 27, 2025
  4. nightofjoy

    Planting a fruit tree in a container, over cremated ashes.

    nightofjoy, Aug 26, 2025, in forum: Container Gardening
    Replies:
    4
    Views:
    698
    Selleri
    Aug 27, 2025
  5. My Clay Jungle

    When are honey bear squash ripe?

    My Clay Jungle, Jul 27, 2025, in forum: Edible Gardening
    Replies:
    7
    Views:
    658
    My Clay Jungle
    Jul 30, 2025

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.
    Accept Learn More...
    Dismiss Notice