How to Indentify an Ash Tree

I’ve been turning a lot of ash …not sure if its white ash, black ash or green ash ….most if is dead ash! It’s really ashamed because I had 20 or 30 ash trees on my property …some probably 100 years old or more. Now they are all dead and in varying degrees of decomposition.

I told someone I had was turning an ash bowl ….they asked how I knew it was Ash ….it caused me to think because I just always knew it was Ash. So, I did some googling and checked out youtube. I found a really nice video on how to tell what type of Ash tree you might have.

Most Local Ash Trees Dead

As I said, I can identify some of my local trees but I have a hard time identifying ash trees. Most of them are dead so the leaves are not around to identify.

I found a great youtube video on how to identify Green Ash, White Ash and Black Ash Trees using leaves, bark, and shape. Very good video.

Ash Tree was Mis-Identified

To my surprise I wrongly identified a local tree. A neighbor had a tree go down …maybe about 24 inches at the trunk. I thought it was Beech or maybe Boxelder. My neighbor said it was Ash! The root system failed, the tree just fell down and had all its leaves ….I thought to myself, “no way this is Ash” ….after I did a little more research I am quite certain it is White Ash

Making wood bowls from ash trees A couple of Ash Tree Wood bowls turned from a piece of white ash tree

I always try to collect a leaf sample when I pick up wood for turning. However, if you get a tree limb or stump from a dump …you’re probably out of luck when it comes to finding any leaves.

I like turning ash, its very, very hard …can be used to make tool handles, mallets and the like. I didn’t know how useful it was or how ard it was until I started woodturning. It makes great bowls and vases. Ash finishes nicely, and even the distressed ash (worm holes and defects) look great.

It would be to your benefit to get some Ash and try to turn it. It will further help you if you can identify Ash from a log section when you only see the bark. Keep in mind, there is White, Green and Black Ash …each has a different bark. People marvel at the projects I turn in Ash and I prefer it over Oak.

If you turn an old piece of Ash that is dried ….it will be pretty tough to turn. Yet the results will be pleasing. If you are lucky enough to get a green piece of Ash …it cuts like butter, and is easy on your woodturning tools.

Here’s the video on how to identify ash trees: