Softwoods
A forest is a carbon bank, every tree a deposit.
Ash trees are vanishing at an alarming rate due to a combination of factors, including insect infestations, disease, and climate change. Chief among these threats is the emerald ash borer, an invasive beetle species that has decimated ash populations across North America. States and provinces surrounding the Great Lakes have been particularly hard-hit, with millions of ash trees already lost. These majestic trees, including white ash, green ash, and black ash, are crucial to ecosystems, providing habitat, shade, and timber. Yet, their survival hangs in the balance as this destructive beetle continues to spread.
The emerald ash borer's life cycle is devastatingly efficient. The beetles lay their eggs on the bark of ash trees, and the hatching larvae burrow into the inner bark, feeding on vital tissues that transport water and nutrients. This effectively starves the tree, causing it to die within just a few years. Climate change exacerbates the problem, as rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns weaken ash trees, making them even more vulnerable to insect infestations and diseases. While no effective treatment exists to fully eradicate the emerald ash borer, innovative strategies are emerging. Initiatives such as creating protected micro-climate zones in regions like western Canada and the Pacific Northwest offer hope. These safe zones not only shield trees from environmental stressors but also enable the collection of seeds for future reforestation, offering a sustainable pathway to prevent the extinction of ash trees.
The scale of destruction facing ash trees in the eastern United States is nothing short of catastrophic. Scientists warn that more than 99% of all ash trees in this region are expected to die off due to the relentless onslaught of the emerald ash borer. This invasive beetle has already infected nearly every ash tree, leaving forests and ecosystems in peril. Ash trees, which play a vital role in providing habitat, shade, and timber, are on the brink of extinction in their native ranges. The loss of these trees not only impacts biodiversity but also disrupts industries and communities reliant on their ecological and economic benefits.
The emerald ash borer's lifecycle makes it a particularly formidable threat. This small beetle burrows deep into ash trees to lay its eggs in the fall. By spring, thousands of larvae emerge, feeding on the tree's inner bark and stripping it of its ability to transport nutrients and water. Within two to three years, even the healthiest ash tree succumbs to this relentless attack. While researchers work tirelessly to develop a borer-resistant strain of ash trees, organizations like Tree Plantation are taking proactive steps by establishing "safe zones" in various parts of the world. These protected areas, located in western Canada, the Pacific Northwest, New Zealand, the U.K., and North Central Europe, offer a controlled environment where ash trees can thrive without the immediate threat of the borer. By preserving genetic diversity and cultivating healthy ash trees, these efforts provide hope for reforestation and the eventual restoration of ash populations in their native habitats.
The once-abundant ash tree, a cornerstone of Eastern North American forests, now faces near-total annihilation due to the emerald ash borer. At present, there are no dedicated ash tree plantations because ash trees were naturally plentiful and never required cultivation on such a scale. The situation has changed drastically, and proactive measures are now essential to prevent their extinction. Traditional row-style plantations for white or green ash trees in the eastern regions are not viable due to the ongoing threat of infestations and environmental conditions. Meanwhile, plantations in the west, though less threatened by borers, pose their own challenges. The drier climate, reduced humidity, and high winds of western landscapes create less-than-ideal growing conditions for ash trees that evolved in the moist and stable environments of the east.
To overcome these challenges, innovative approaches like Crop Circle Tree Plantations offer a sustainable solution. Unlike conventional plantations, this method creates a more controlled microclimate by sheltering trees from prevailing winds and conserving moisture. The circular planting design helps retain humidity, mimicking the conditions ash trees thrive in. As these trees grow and mature, they produce seeds that can be carefully collected, stored, and eventually replanted in the eastern regions once the emerald ash borer has exhausted its food supply and its population declines. This strategy not only ensures the survival of ash tree species but also supports biodiversity and future reforestation efforts. By combining ecological foresight and innovative planting techniques, Crop Circle Tree Plantations could play a pivotal role in saving ash trees from extinction.
White ash (Fraxinus americana), a towering deciduous tree native to eastern North America, is an iconic species in hardwood forests and urban landscapes. Growing up to 80 feet tall with a trunk diameter reaching 3 feet, this tree is admired for its stately appearance and ecological significance. White ash thrives in a variety of environments, from dense hardwood forests to suburban streets where it is often planted for shade. Its leaves turn vibrant hues of yellow, orange, and purple in the fall, making it a popular choice for ornamental planting. Beyond its beauty, white ash plays a vital role in ecosystems by providing habitat for wildlife and contributing to soil stabilization.
White ash wood is prized for its exceptional strength, flexibility, and shock resistance, making it one of the most sought-after hardwoods. With a light to medium brown color, a straight grain pattern, and a relatively coarse texture, the wood is versatile and easy to work with. It is widely used in the construction of furniture, flooring, tool handles, and sports equipment like baseball bats, where its resilience is crucial. Additionally, white ash has traditional uses beyond timber. Its bark and leaves have been utilized in herbal medicine to treat fevers, coughs, and other ailments, while its ability to combat soil erosion makes it a valuable tool in habitat restoration efforts. However, the species is under significant threat from the emerald ash borer, an invasive beetle that has decimated populations across North America. This decline has heightened the value of white ash wood, as demand from artisans and woodworkers continues to grow despite its dwindling supply. Efforts to conserve and restore white ash trees remain critical to preserving this versatile and culturally significant species for future generations.
White ash can grow more than 200 feet tall and 6 feet in diameter. Finding a tree of that size, however, is extremely rare. More than likely it was cut down decades ago or has died from the current insect infestation.
WWhite ash wood, green ash wood, black ash wood, blue ash wood, Carolina ash wood, and manna ash wood all come from different species of ash trees and have distinct qualities and uses. Here are some of the key differences between these types of ash wood:
White ash wood should be kiln dried before milling. I have been a professional floorman for years and have seen the effects that moisture can have on wood floors. First, it will acclimate to less than 12% and that takes more than a few weeks in the house. If you are in a very dry climate, it can go as low as 5%. In Oklahoma it varies from 6 to 9 % depending on the season. There will be seasonal movement if you have humidity fluctuation. Secondly, if you lay flooring with too high of a moisture content over a moisture barrier (not optional) and sand it flat, the top of the board will dry out faster than the bottom and the result will be cupping. Even if you are laying 1.5" flooring, wide plank will cup even more noticeably. If you re-sand, it will crown when it finally dries out completely, so remember, be safe and buy kiln dried ash.
When my parents passed away, I inherited the family farm, which I hadn't explored since I was a kid. The farm is large, about 800 acres including a 300-acre woodlot. I had a professional timber man survey the woodlot so I could get an idea of what was there wood wise. It turns out that 40 percent of the woodlot was populated white ash. My dad and his dad before him had managed the bush pretty good as most the white ash where over 100 years old and 150 feet tall. My timber man expressed interest in cutting the white ash out of there for $250,000, but I think I will continue to manage the forest and keep the farm in the family. Fortunately, I don’t need the money so it's nice to be able to leave them as is.
Green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) is a species of ash tree that is native to North America. It is a medium to large-sized deciduous tree that can grow up to 70 feet tall with a trunk diameter of up to 2 feet. Green ash is commonly found in riparian zones and floodplains, but can also grow in upland areas.
Green ash wood is valued for its strength, flexibility, and shock resistance. The wood has a light yellow to brown color with a straight grain pattern and a relatively coarse texture. It is easy to work with hand and machine tools and takes stain and finishes well. Green ash wood is used in the construction of furniture, flooring, tool handles, sports equipment, and other items that require a strong and flexible wood.
In addition to its use as a source of wood, green ash has a range of other uses. The tree is commonly planted as a shade tree and is also used for erosion control and habitat restoration. The leaves and bark of the tree have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, coughs, and sore throats.
The value of green ash wood depends on its quality and market demand. It is widely available and less expensive than other species of ash trees, such as white ash or black ash. However, like other species of ash trees, green ash has been affected by the emerald ash borer and other factors that have led to a decline in availability. As a result, the value of green ash wood may increase in the future, making it a sought-after wood for woodworkers, artisans, and craftspeople. Overall, green ash is a versatile and valuable species of tree with a range of uses and qualities.
Black ash (Fraxinus nigra) is a species of ash tree that is native to North America. It is a medium-sized deciduous tree that can grow up to 80 feet tall with a trunk diameter of up to 3 feet. Black ash is commonly found in wetland habitats such as swamps, bogs, and riverbanks.
Black ash is highly valued for its wood, which has a unique structure that makes it ideal for weaving and basket making. The wood is very flexible and can be easily split into thin, even strips. This property makes it perfect for weaving baskets, furniture, and other household items.
In addition to its uses in weaving and basket making, black ash wood is also valued for its strength, durability, and shock resistance. It is used in the construction of tool handles, baseball bats, and other items that require a strong and durable wood.
Black ash wood has a distinct light brown color with a straight grain pattern. The wood has a fine texture and a relatively low density, making it easy to work with hand and machine tools. Black ash is also resistant to rot and decay, which makes it a popular choice for outdoor projects.
The value of black ash wood varies depending on the quality of the wood and the market demand. However, due to the decline of ash trees caused by the emerald ash borer and other factors, the availability of black ash wood has become limited, which has led to an increase in its value. Today, black ash is highly sought after by artisans, craftspeople, and woodworkers who appreciate its unique qualities and versatility.
Blue ash (Fraxinus quadrangulata) is a species of ash tree that is native to the eastern and central regions of North America. It is a medium-sized deciduous tree that can grow up to 80 feet tall with a trunk diameter of up to 3 feet. Blue ash is named after the blue-green dye that is extracted from its inner bark.
Blue ash wood is highly valued for its strength and durability. It has a distinct blue-gray color and a pronounced grain pattern. The wood is very hard and dense, making it ideal for use in flooring, furniture, tool handles, and other applications that require a strong and durable wood.
In addition to its use as a source of wood, blue ash has historically been used for medicinal purposes. The inner bark of the tree contains a compound called fraxin, which has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, dysentery, and rheumatism.
The value of blue ash wood depends on its quality and market demand. However, like other species of ash trees, blue ash has been affected by the emerald ash borer and other factors that have led to a decline in availability. As a result, the value of blue ash wood has increased in recent years, making it a sought-after wood for woodworkers, artisans, and craftspeople.
In addition to its wood and medicinal properties, blue ash is also valued for its ornamental qualities. The tree has attractive bark, leaves, and flowers, which make it a popular choice for landscaping and urban forestry projects. Overall, blue ash is a versatile and valuable species of tree with a range of uses and qualities.
Carolina ash (Fraxinus caroliniana) is a species of ash tree that is native to the southeastern United States. It is a medium-sized deciduous tree that can grow up to 50 feet tall with a trunk diameter of up to 2 feet. Carolina ash is found in a variety of habitats, including swamps, floodplains, and upland forests.
Carolina ash wood is highly valued for its strength, durability, and shock resistance. It is used in the construction of tool handles, sports equipment, furniture, and other items that require a strong and durable wood. The wood has a light brown color with a straight grain pattern and a relatively fine texture. It is easy to work with hand and machine tools and takes stain and finishes well.
In addition to its use as a source of wood, Carolina ash has a range of other uses. The tree has been used for medicinal purposes by Native American tribes, who used a tea made from the bark to treat a variety of ailments. The tree is also valued for its ornamental qualities and is planted in urban and suburban areas for its shade and attractive foliage.
The value of Carolina ash wood depends on its quality and market demand. However, like other species of ash trees, Carolina ash has been affected by the emerald ash borer and other factors that have led to a decline in availability. As a result, the value of Carolina ash wood has increased in recent years, making it a sought-after wood for woodworkers, artisans, and craftspeople. Overall, Carolina ash is a versatile and valuable species of tree with a range of uses and qualities.
Manna ash (Fraxinus ornus) is a species of ash tree that is native to southern Europe, western Asia, and North Africa. It is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree that can grow up to 40 feet tall with a trunk diameter of up to 2 feet. Manna ash is named after the sweet, sugary sap that exudes from the tree in the summer months, which has been used as a natural sweetener and medicinal agent.
Manna ash wood is valued for its strength, toughness, and elasticity. The wood has a light brown to white color with a straight grain pattern and a relatively fine texture. It is easy to work with hand and machine tools and takes stain and finishes well. Manna ash wood is used in the construction of furniture, tool handles, sports equipment, and other items that require a strong and durable wood.
In addition to its use as a source of wood, manna ash has a range of other uses. The sweet sap that exudes from the tree has been used as a natural sweetener, and the tree has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including coughs, fever, and digestive problems.
The value of manna ash wood depends on its quality and market demand. While not as well-known as other species of ash trees, such as white ash or black ash, manna ash wood is still highly valued by woodworkers and artisans for its strength, durability, and attractive appearance. Overall, manna ash is a versatile and valuable species of tree with a range of uses and qualities.
From maple to oak, hardwoods whisper of centuries past, their slow growth a testament to patience and value over time.
Partner with us in a land management project to repurpose agricultural lands into appreciating tree assets. We have partnered with growingtogive.org, a 501c3 nonprofit, to create tree planting partnerships with land donors.
We have partnered with growingtogive.org, a Washington State nonprofit to create a land and tree partnership program that repurposes agricultural land into appreciating tree assets.
The program utilizes privately owned land to plant trees that would benefit both the landowner and the environment.
If you have 100 acres or more of flat, fallow farmland and would like to plant trees, then we would like to talk to you. There are no costs to enter the program. You own the land; you own the trees we plant for free and there are no restrictions; you can sell or transfer the land with the trees anytime.
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