SRING BLOG 2023 : THE ASH TREE
The Ash tree
The third most common tree that grows in the UK. Found in mixed woodland on the outside and in hedgerows.
The Ash trees natural span is 200 years old. Coppicing can extend the Ash trees life to 400 years old.
An Ash tree wood is best for using between 30-60 years, as the elasticity is most effective
The Ash tree is a light, graceful & commanding strong tree receiving the name
'Venus of the woods'
You'll find Ash trees preference are Northern & Eastern side of hills. Where the atmosphere is moist & cool with the soil deep & porous.
Ash trees grow 80 to 100 feet tall. Seeds on an Ash tree are referred to as 'keys' (Samaras actual name) The 'keys' hang as bunches and individually have a little twist in the wing. The 'key' can spin steadily in the wind. They are called 'Spinners' by some and ripe in October.
Ash is a strong and elastic hardwood. Easily bent, readily worked, a versatile and functional timber with a pinkish white hue.
Unlike Oak, Ash has a moderate weight.
Commonly used for furniture, sports equipment, steam bending, agricultural/makers tool handles and hunting tools.
The Ash has brilliant shock resistant capabilities and the reason for being used for tennis rackets, snooker cues, fishing rods, axe handles etc...
The green immature seeds of Ash are edible and have been used in herbal medicine.
Ash was in high demand for many years but has never been appreciated the same way as Oak.
Do you have an Ash tree in your local area?
To identify an Ash tree, you can use the illustration below of a leaf.
Illustration from The Observer's book of
trees and shrubs
The Ash Dieback
Ash dieback is a fungus originating from Asia. Our Native European Ash has been devastated by the fungus because the European Ash has no natural defence against the fungus.
Trees younger than 40 years are more sensitive.
They are working towards a solution. As Ash has been an important timber to humans for thousands of years. Here is more reading about Ash Dieback projects
Local sustainable hardwoods
Scottish Elm, Oak and Ash are the three local hardwoods I make furniture with the most. Ash was the first hardwood I used and still is my favourite timber to work with.
Fun fact
In the workshop, Ash is able to identify when a tool is blunt as its the one wood that burns easily.
To read more about Ash trees and what can be made from Ash
'The Man who made things out of trees' by Robert Penn
The Scottish Furniture Makers Association are also embarking on a project called Ash Rise.
You can follow their journey on their social media platforms
Welcome to my new blog series!!
Check out my next Summer blog in June by Anna Nichols
Following Anna in her design studio, workshop and at local sawmills selecting timber
