Watering weeping ash, hanging ash

• Weeping ash origin
• Weeping ash care and location
• Pruning weeping ash
• Fertilizing weeping ash trees
• Watering weeping ash

Weeping ash origin

The weeping ash (Fraxinus excelsior 'Pendula') is a cultivated form of the common ash native to Europe. It originated from the selection of individual specimens with drooping branches and has been used as an ornamental tree in parks and large gardens since the 18th century.

Unlike the wild form, the weeping ash does not grow freely upright, but rather forms a characteristic, umbrella-like crown with long, drooping branches. It is often grafted to a trunk height of about 2 to 3 meters and can reach heights of up to 10 meters. Visually, it is striking due to its graceful appearance, which is particularly striking in winter with its striking branching and in summer with its feathery foliage.

Weeping ash care and location

The weeping ash is relatively easy to care for, but it does have some requirements regarding its location. It prefers sunny to partially shaded spots with deep, nutrient-rich, and evenly moist soil. It does not tolerate drought or waterlogging well.

• Find a location with plenty of light and enough space to the side. 
• The soil should be humus-rich, loose and permeable. 
• A layer of mulch protects against drying out and keeps the soil cool. 
• Avoid windy locations, as the long branches can easily be damaged in storms.

The weeping ash grows slowly but develops an impressive crown over the years. It is well-suited as a solitary tree in large gardens or cemeteries, where it is particularly popular due to its elegant appearance.

In this article you will find the most important information on the topic tree care.

Pruning weeping ash

Regular pruning is beneficial for weeping ash trees to maintain their shape and thin out the tree's interior. The best time is late winter to early spring, before bud break. When pruning, be sure to remove dead, inward-growing, or crossing branches. Long, drooping shoots that touch the ground can be carefully shortened. During the early stages, a structural pruning can also help form a stable crown structure. Since weeping ash trees do not develop their own upright trunk extension, their growth height is usually limited to the grafted height.

Do you need to fertilize weeping ash trees?

In nutrient-rich garden soil, weeping ash usually doesn't require any additional fertilizer. However, if you want to encourage growth in the first few years, you can apply some compost or horn shavings in the spring. A thin layer of bark humus or fallen leaves also improves soil structure, retains moisture, and promotes soil microorganisms. Mineral fertilizers should be avoided—they are unnecessary and can disrupt the soil's balance.

Water weeping ash properly!

The weeping ash requires a reliable water supply, especially in the first few years after planting. It doesn't tolerate dry periods well—its long branches and shallow root system make it sensitive to water shortages. Keep the soil slightly moist at all times, but ensure good drainage. Pour Best in the morning or evening, when evaporation is low. Avoid shallow watering—it doesn't encourage deep root development.

With the baumbad watering bag You can provide your weeping ash tree with targeted and sustainable watering. The bag is placed around the trunk, zipped shut, and filled with 75 to 100 liters of water. This slowly seeps into the soil over several hours and reliably reaches the root zone. This ensures that the water does not evaporate unused, even in hot temperatures. Its ease of use makes the baumbad watering bag the ideal solution – even for larger trees when several bags are connected together.