For many centuries it has served as a symbol of justice and security. Ancient Greek artisans made spears from its wood, as well as handles for different types of weapons. Painters loved to depict the warlike goddess of retribution with an elegant branch of this perennial plant. At the same time, some ethnic groups believed that its sap was a deadly poison for the most dangerous snakes on earth. The shirt, soaked with such liquid, was a real body armor for a valiant warrior. In case of rheumatism, healers advised to do rubbing sessions with decoction of the kidneys, as well as the bark. An infusion of leaves served as a febrifuge.
Artisans greatly appreciated ash wood. A lot of household utensils, as well as rural tools to confirm this. Hive was also made from dried bark. Large plates were connected to a volumetric cylinder, and a cone-shaped lid of the same material was attached on top.
Rendezvous with Ash
These monolithic members of the Olive family are found in temperate latitudes. The southern and central regions of Russia, as well as Ukraine, are rich in whole groves / forests consisting of such giants. About 50 varieties of this woody plant with not ceasing excitement explore hundreds of naturalists. At the first meeting with an ash tree, many note its exquisite features. 
High growth
The average height of these rocks is 12-15 m, and the maximum height is 30 meters. Nevertheless, individual ornamental species( for example, the Griffith variety) grow to only 1.5 m. There are also 40-meter giants that are more than 100 years old. One of them grows serenely in Uzhgorod.
Read also: Life of the southern catalpa tree in temperate latitudes
Openwork crown
The crown of ash is formed by arcuate long branches, because of this it has a spreading character. Due to the high growth of the tree, the crown is drawn out and forms the original dome in the form of a pyramid. A luxurious openwork structure is provided by leaves located on a branch opposite each other. They are oblong in shape and medium in size. Through their translucent canvas, photons of light shine through, creating an unforgettable spectacle. Barely perceptible breath of the wind, and these rays begin to play completely new special effects. 
Extravagant "earrings"
Complete the bright description of the tree ash must be its inflorescences and fruits. In April and May days you can watch this fascinating extravaganza of colors. Different species of the Olive family can have either snow-white or burgundy or even purple flowers in the form of panicles. All these "decorations" looks amazing on completely bare grayish-brown branches. 
After a few weeks, leaf buds appear on the shortened shoots. From flower bunches, seeds develop, resembling moth wings. On one branch of such records can be up to 50 pcs. These gorgeous "earrings" create an amazing view of the plant. 
Gardeners recommend planting several specimens in a small area so that they can pollinate among themselves.
After all, in the same tree, male and female flowers ripen at different times, so they do not have time to share genetic information. Unfortunately, these panicles do not attract insects.
What is hidden from the eyes of
The whole secret of the lush luxury of this perennial plant is hidden in the ground at a depth of no more than 1.5 m. It is the root system that supplies the breed with moisture and nutrients. In most species of this family, it does not have a taproot. As a result, the rhizome does not germinate very deeply, spreading only on the surface. Yet plants can adapt to the environment. Then they grow a central core, which shoots processes. They can even find moisture at a depth of 3 meters.
Cut the branches of a woody plant to form the correct crown is not worth it. It is better to gently remove dried patches or thistles.
A worthy exhibit for the garden
When creating a landscape interior on the garden, it is important to give a special place to the ash. It will perfectly fit into the local garden flavor, and most importantly, will delight all its neighbors with its grandeur and beauty. Choose a specific type of breed should be depending on the goals pursued by the gardener. Here are some of the options:
- high pyramidal crown copies are suitable for monumental / lonely exhibits;
- stunted, horizontal and spherical varieties - a godsend in creating a hedge;
- extravagant garden will give weeping varieties, the branches of which are unusually curved, like willow.
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For planting these amazing ash trees you need to find a flat area and preferably without shady places. However, the ground should be sufficiently wet, but without the formation of stagnant water. After all, these plants tolerate drought without any problems, as well as frosty winters. The pledge of the active and successful development of the tree depends largely on the planting of the seedling.
Avoid ash planting in saline areas. You can give preference to areas with high calcium content. In this case, the acidity of the soil should vary in the range of 6-7 pH.
Soil features
When buying a seedling, you need to pay attention to the form in which it is located. The roots must be tightly packed with opaque material or be in a container. Before planting should be soaked rhizomes, soaking them with moisture. In turn, the hole will need to be made 33% more than an earthen clod of seedlings. 
The fourth part of it should be filled with drainage consisting of:
- rubble;
- pebbles;
- coarse sand.
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Thanks to this “cushion” every layer of earth will dry out evenly. Moreover, there will be no seals on which salt formations settle. Moisture can not accumulate in the roots, which can lead to souring and rotting. The composition of the soil substrate should include:
- one part of the sand;
- two parts of humus;
- 1 hour hardwood.
After this, the near-stem section must be covered with mulch( layer height - 15 cm).It can consist of both peat and wood chips. The first four days the sapling needs plenty of watering. If possible, the area should be burnt, deepening the hoe no more than 7 cm. 
Nitrogen-containing fertilizers are recommended to be applied at the beginning and at the end of spring. In the autumn, the plant can be fed with solutions of Kemira( wagon) or nitroammophoska. For the winter period you need to wrap the trunk with a sacking cloth. 
These precautions apply only to 3 year olds.
It should be borne in mind that the loose soil after planting will definitely give way. For tall trees this is a disaster. Therefore, the roots need to land 10-20 cm above the horizon.
A powerful ash tree also has many enemies. These include the bark beetle, ash pheasant, and branch / trunk cancer. Galls, rot and other formations can be safely removed by treating the wounds with a solution of activated carbon. 
All other pests need to be eliminated with insecticides. As a result of such careful care, ash will grow large( up to 5 meters in the home) and healthy.
The History of Ash Tree - Video
