Troubleshooting
Golden Ash problems — and how to fix them
Golden Ash (Fraxinus excelsior 'Jaspidea') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Ash dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus)
This cultivar is equally susceptible to ash dieback as the species. Watch for wilting shoot tips, brown lesions on bark with orange margins, and progressive crown dieback. Remove infected material promptly and destroy it. No systemic cure available.
Leaf scorch in drought
During hot, dry summers, leaf margins may brown and scorch, particularly on young trees with restricted root runs. Ensure adequate irrigation during establishment and mulch around the base to conserve soil moisture.
Graft failure on young nursery stock
Being a grafted cultivar, union incompatibility or bacterial canker entry at the graft point can cause sudden die-back of the scion. Inspect the graft union at purchase; choose trees with a clean, well-healed union.
Prevent golden ash problems before they start
Most golden ash issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Golden Ash problems — FAQ
Why is my golden ash ash dieback (hymenoscyphus fraxineus)?
This cultivar is equally susceptible to ash dieback as the species. Watch for wilting shoot tips, brown lesions on bark with orange margins, and progressive crown dieback. Remove infected material promptly and destroy it. No systemic cure available.
Why is my golden ash leaf scorch in drought?
During hot, dry summers, leaf margins may brown and scorch, particularly on young trees with restricted root runs. Ensure adequate irrigation during establishment and mulch around the base to conserve soil moisture.
Why is my golden ash graft failure on young nursery stock?
Being a grafted cultivar, union incompatibility or bacterial canker entry at the graft point can cause sudden die-back of the scion. Inspect the graft union at purchase; choose trees with a clean, well-healed union.