

Hey all, I'm having an issue where lots of ash saplings are popping up in my flower and vegetable beds. I was wondering is there any demand for ash saplings as I know a lot have been affected with the die back, so don't want to pull them all out if they can be used. Whether by individuals or organisations
We have a healthy ash tree in our garden and from what I can see isn't affected by the die back. There's one or two saplings that have grown in open ground I'm letting do their thing but there's another 15-20 that needs gone!
by stevenwalsh21

8 Comments
I know the government were trying to plant disease restraint trees – which it looks like yours might be.
Is there anywhere else you could plant them?
Have a look at this:
https://www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2025/0114/1490726-ash-trees-ireland-ash-dieback-conservation-protection/
Doesn’t solve your problem of what to do with them!
Stick them in pots until you can decide what to do with them? If they live they live …

Plant them elsewhere. I grow oaks from acorns and plant them locally. I grow them just for the hell of it and haven got space to keep many. My oldest in a pot is around 20 years old.
Pots then Done deal. Established 4 or 5 ft trees go for crazy money in garden centers
As others have said try potting them up and plant elsewhere, giving them away, etc…
I’m gradually rewilding a portion of my garden so all mine are going there along with any other native trees I can get my hands on.
https://preview.redd.it/6qwhzeqzpj0h1.jpeg?width=2660&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f30e1c8b84ecc348711200d398ae60421cd52ed4
I also have a few healthy ash trees and I’m planting as many as I can.
There’s probably organisations that would appreciate these alot. Due to the fact that only 1-5% are resistant, the genetic diversity provided by these is quite significant. I’m not sure what organisations exist in the south though.
It’s always great to hear about ash saplings, I’ve taken in a few myself. They like damp ground so if you or someone you know is near a river or wetlands, you might sneak them in to an existing hedge. If you’re near Dublin, you could try the woods around enniskerry?
Put a mask on them