Ash (European)

u003ch2u003eThe European Ashu003c/h2u003ernu003ch3u003eThe Treeu003c/h3u003ernA tall, graceful tree, reaching a height of 30m to 42m on good sites, with a clear bole averaging 9m in length, and occasionally more. The diameter varies from 0.5m to 1.5m.rnu003ch3u003eThe Timberu003c/h3u003ernThere is usually no distinction in colour between sapwood and heartwood, freshly cut wood being whitish to pale brown with a pink cast, turning to a slightly brownish-white after drying. In some logs, an irregular dark brown or black heartwood is found, but this is not necessarily a defect, as the timber is normally quite sound. Logs containing dark heart streaks are often enhanced in value because of the decorative nature of the wood which is known as olive ash.rnu003ch3u003eDryingu003c/h3u003ernDries at a fairly rapid rate without excessive surface checking and splitting, but under the influence of severe temperatures, there is a tendency to distort and for end splitting to occur. Distorted stock responds well to reconditioning kiln treatment.rnu003ch3u003eStrengthu003c/h3u003ernSimilar to oak in general strength properties, but tougher and more resistant to splitting.rnu003ch3u003eWorking Qualitiesu003c/h3u003ernGood – Although tough, ash works and machines quite well, and finishes to a reasonably smooth finish. It can be glued, stained, and polished.