Q. We are considering planting
Sissoo or Raywood Ash in our front patio which is covered with pavers. Are root
problems a concern for Sissoo? I have concerns about dieback in Raywood ash
because of diseases described in Northern California and Europe. Does our
climate reduce the chances of disease problems?
A. To me, the choice
between Sissoo or Raywood ash is like picking between an apple and an orange; they
don’t do the same job in the landscape. People choose Sissoo as a fast-growing
personal shade tree while the Raywood ash is not fast-growing and is not much
of a personal shade tree.
between Sissoo or Raywood ash is like picking between an apple and an orange; they
don’t do the same job in the landscape. People choose Sissoo as a fast-growing
personal shade tree while the Raywood ash is not fast-growing and is not much
of a personal shade tree.
Sissoo is much more likely to freeze during the winter
here than Raywood ash. Because of their mature size, I don’t consider either
one of them as good choices for a single-story residence in a desert climate.
here than Raywood ash. Because of their mature size, I don’t consider either
one of them as good choices for a single-story residence in a desert climate.
I observed a few Sissoo planted at homes in Las Vegas but
most of what I know about this tree’s performance after planting is from
homeowners in Arizona. The major complaints are its large size, limb breakage
in strong winds, heaving of sidewalks and patios by its roots, general litter
from leaves and fruit and root suckering throughout the landscape.
most of what I know about this tree’s performance after planting is from
homeowners in Arizona. The major complaints are its large size, limb breakage
in strong winds, heaving of sidewalks and patios by its roots, general litter
from leaves and fruit and root suckering throughout the landscape.
Love it or hate it. There seems to be two opinions about this tree; people
love it and others hate it. Not much in between. Homeowners who planted it in
Las Vegas were surprised by its size and considered removing them after a few
years.
love it and others hate it. Not much in between. Homeowners who planted it in
Las Vegas were surprised by its size and considered removing them after a few
years.
Raywood ash is not fast-growing like Sissoo but easily
handles our winter temperatures without damage. But the trunk can be damaged by
intense summer sunlight. It does not produce root suckers. Raywood ash is more
“ornamental” with its beautiful fall color.
handles our winter temperatures without damage. But the trunk can be damaged by
intense summer sunlight. It does not produce root suckers. Raywood ash is more
“ornamental” with its beautiful fall color.
Raywood ash is susceptible to a disorder, disease if you
want to call it that, called Ash Decline. This disorder has been a problem in
Las Vegas since the 1980s beginning with Modesto ash and later with Raywood
ash. I generally don’t recommend planting ash trees susceptible to this
disorder in the Las Vegas Valley.
want to call it that, called Ash Decline. This disorder has been a problem in
Las Vegas since the 1980s beginning with Modesto ash and later with Raywood
ash. I generally don’t recommend planting ash trees susceptible to this
disorder in the Las Vegas Valley.
Both trees should not
be planted in a desert landscape surrounded by rock. You’re asking for trouble if
you do. Instead, plant them in lawns or surrounded by other plants that require
moderate to high amounts of water.