Seedling ID

redbird

I found several seedlings in my yard that I've tried to do a websearch for and still not sure. My yard is small so it makes a big difference what kind of trees they are. I'm thinking Green Ash or Hickory, because the leaves are opposite, 5 leaflets w/no stem, slightly serrated, smooth leaf top & bottom, the new budding leaves are a reddish-brown and the sprout/trunk is bright green, the root w/no nut (that's why I'm not sure it's not a Hickory) and the top 3 leaves are larger than the rest of its leaves. They're already 12" tall in one summer. Not sure if they are all the same kind. The dirt could very easily have been transported (with the seeds included)from my prior address when I transplanted many flowers but the spots these seedlings have now sprouted are just too small for any tree to mature except only one. It's on a small north sunny slope that I've landscaped but a big shade tree would be very nice but I'd rather know how large its going to get. lol I'm very adept at transplanting - I've already potted up 3, placed in the garden for now,just because I love trees and would rather give it away or plant it in the country than pitch it into the mulch pile. Not very computer savvy and alot of yardwork to do before fall so I hope someone can tell me what these seedlings are that are growing very fast but it's taken me 3 days to figure out how to use this website & upload my pics. So I'd sure appreciate some help w/ID!

Attached Thumbnails

     

Joey Meister

Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Green Ash. it can grow up too 45 to 60 feet tall.and can grow 40 feet wide. the growth rate on mine seems to be medium to fast depending on the amount of rain. and from experience they transplant very easily.

redbird

I was hoping it's an Ash - in that case the one on the slope can stay put! Thanks!

redbird

Next "?" : An Elm also sprouted this summer on the same slope as the Ash. Since it sprang up before the Ash I left it alone and the Elm is now ab. 3 ft. tall and within 10 ft of the Ash. I LOVE shade but I'm afraid they'll be too close together. Am I right? Choosing between the two, I'll dig out the Elm keeping the Ash and my husband will agree. Wish I had a bigger yard...

Joey Meister

think about it this way. look at how close trees in a forest grow together, the two trees will just form into one canopy and create a larger area of shade or windbreak. if you have the room to let both grow and do not mind both growing that is.

Brent Ferris

I am thinking the ash might be a green ash, or perhaps white (Fraxinus americana) - the end leaflet looks too big for green.
It would be good to determine the kind of elm.
Unfortunately, Emerald Ash borer is decimating the Ashes - all species, and yours may/may not get big enough to enjoy.
Elms are regularly killed off by Dutch Elm disease, unless it is an English Elm, Scots Elm, or an Asian Elm like Siberian or Chinese.

For the most part the native elms have bigger leaves with coarsely serrated edges, but the fruit - seeds with wings almost encircling the seeds -- is often the best way to differentiate the elms. However, they do hybridize, so pics of leaves (with a ruler) and the bark can also be helpful.

As long as both trees survive, for the first 20-30 years there will not likely be too much competition between them. Once the elm gets past 15-20 years, if a native species, it can be targeted by the elm bark beetles that carry the disease. I am unsure if Emerald Ash borer also requires a certain age of tree, but it is highly likely since after so many years, the trees begin producing other chemicals that the insects home in on.

__________________
My business: Tree Pruning and Removals -- Strump Removals -- Advice -- Consulting -- Arborist Reports
If you want an honest opinion, call Brent Ferris...because, Trees want to Live Too !
We do great jobs, even in small yards.

Free Estimates Oakville to Oshawa - North to Bradford (Will travel further if cost of travelling covered)

redbird

Well like I said, this is a very busy time for me, but I'll investigate which kind of Elm it is later this wk. Thanks for the input guys!