Shamel Ash Tree Care

Water and Soil

• You can plant the shamel ash tree in well-drained clay, loamy or sandy soil with an acidic to alkaline pH. Water young trees approximately once a month; the more mature trees should be fine with rain water, unless you live in a particularly hot environment. Since this type of tree has shallow roots, you may want to water deeply in order to promote deeper rooting.

Light and Wind

• A younger tree can tolerate partial shade. However, a fully mature tree prefers full sun exposure and needs at least a few hours of sunlight a day. If you live in a windy area, you'll probably want to securely tie the tree to long, solid stakes in the ground to prevent it from toppling over.

Fertilization

• Use mature manure or humus to fertilize your tree. Feed the tree at the beginning of the spring or fall. Use a few buckets of fertilizer and spread it around the tree trunk when the tree is first planted and once every two to three years afterward.

Precautions

• A shamel ash tree can lose its leaves and branch tips in colder areas. The foliage can also burn in hot wind. Although it's resistant to oak root fungus, watch out for root rot, sooty mold and other fungal diseases. Also be on the lookout for scales, aphids and whiteflies. Prevent pests with a wide-range treatment of insecticide and a systemic fungicide.