Mountain ashes—or rowan trees, as many call them—are some of the most low-maintenance deciduous trees you can find. They’re a huge hit in backyard gardens, mostly thanks to those gorgeous, bright red berries that pop against the green leaves. If you’re thinking about adding one to your landscape, there are a few things you should know about picking the perfect spot to help it thrive.
Location Requirements for Your Mountain Ash
To really flourish, a mountain ash needs plenty of light. You’ll want to plant yours in a spot that gets full sun to partial shade. Here’s the tricky part, though: while they love the sun, they aren’t big fans of intense heat. Because of that, try to avoid planting them right up against a brick wall or the side of your house, as those surfaces trap heat and can stress the tree out. As for the soil, make sure it drains well—these trees definitely don’t like “wet feet” or standing water.
You also need to keep their roots in mind. Mountain ashes develop a very strong, sprawling root system. They need their personal space! If you plant them too close to other plants, they might just crowd them out. More importantly, keep them far away from your sewer lines or underground pipes; those aggressive roots can do some real damage if they go looking for water. Pro tip: it’s a great idea to install a root barrier right when you plant the tree to keep everything contained.
