Thinking about adding a Mountain Ash (also known as a Rowan tree) to your backyard? You’re in luck! These beauties are surprisingly low-maintenance. As a member of the rose family, they aren’t very picky, but if you follow a few simple tips, your tree will really thrive.
Finding the Perfect Spot for Your Mountain Ash
The great news is that when it comes to their location, Mountain Ashes are pretty easygoing. Their number one requirement? Plenty of sunshine. If you’re planting a younger tree, they can handle partial shade, but full sun is where they really shine. Soil-wise, they are incredibly adaptable and can handle just about any type of dirt you throw at them.
They can even tolerate a bit of temporary waterlogging, though you don’t want them sitting in a swamp forever. On the flip side, they aren’t big fans of extreme, long-lasting droughts—you’ll notice the leaves starting to droop if they get too thirsty. Ideally, they love a nutrient-rich, deep loamy soil.
Pro Tips for Planting
There is one “heads up” I have to give you before you put a Mountain Ash in your garden: these trees have very strong, almost aggressive root systems. They grow deep and spread out fast. We’re talking roots that don’t care about pipes, garden walls, or fences! To save yourself a headache later, I highly recommend installing a root barrier when you plant.
You can plant them anytime from spring through fall, but I personally prefer spring. Just make sure the ground isn’t frozen anymore. Even though these trees are super cold-hardy once established, planting during a frost can damage a young tree because the roots can’t anchor themselves properly in frozen soil.
Don’t forget to give them some elbow room! Mountain Ashes usually grow between 6 to 13 feet tall and at least 6 feet wide. As they age, they tend to spread out quite a bit (and remember those massive roots!). I’d suggest keeping a planting distance of about 10 to 13 feet from other structures or plants.
The Right Soil Mix
When it comes to the soil itself, the Mountain Ash isn’t a diva. It likes soil that is rich in organic matter but doesn’t need heavy fertilizers. Standard garden soil usually does the trick just fine. Whether your soil is acidic, neutral, or alkaline, this tree really doesn’t mind—it’s truly one of the most easy-care options out there.
The only thing it really hates is compacted soil. This often happens on newer construction lots where heavy machinery has packed the dirt down tight. If your soil feels like concrete, just mix in a little sand to help loosen things up and improve drainage.
