Arizona Ash

The Fastest Shade in San Antonio

The Arizona Ash (Fraxinus velutina) is one of the fastest-growing shade trees available for San Antonio, capable of adding 3–4 feet of height per year. With good fall color and a spreading canopy, it provides quick relief from the Texas sun. Alfaro Tree Sales grows Arizona Ash at our 40-acre Atascosa nursery.

3–4 ft/yr
Growth Rate
30–50 ft
Mature Height
Good
Drought Tolerance
Since ’76
Growing & Planting
Sun
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Growth
3–4 ft/yr
Mature Height
30–50 ft
Foliage
Deciduous
Fast Growth
Fastest Shade

Fast Growth

Arizona Ash is one of the fastest shade trees you can plant in San Antonio, adding 3–4 feet per year. If you need shade quickly — for a new home, pool area, or patio — this tree delivers results in just a few years.

One of the fastest-growing shade trees Good yellow fall color Broad, spreading canopy Field-grown at our 40-acre nursery

Arizona Ash vs. Monterrey Oak

Two of SA’s fastest shade trees head to head.

Recommended

Arizona Ash

Growth Rate3–4 ft/yr
Fall ColorYellow
FoliageDeciduous
Mature Height30–50 ft
DroughtGood
Shade SpeedVery fast

Monterrey Oak

Growth Rate3–4 ft/yr
Fall ColorNone
FoliageSemi-evergreen
Mature Height40–60 ft
DroughtExcellent
Shade SpeedFast

Growth Timeline

Expected height after planting a 3” caliper tree (14–18 ft at install).

16 ft
Planting
26 ft
Year 3
38 ft
Year 7
Full shade
48 ft
Year 15+
Mature

Care After Planting

Watering

Regular watering the first 2 seasons — 2–3×/week. Moderate water needs even when established; appreciates occasional deep soaking in summer.

Soil & Fertilizer

Adapts to most soils including alkaline. Balanced fertilizer in spring supports its fast growth rate.

Pruning

Regular structural pruning important when young due to fast growth. Develop strong scaffold branches. Prune in winter.

Best Planting Time

October through March. Fast growth means you’ll see results quickly regardless of planting season.

Our Planting Process

1

Select & Deliver

Choose your tree at our nursery or by phone. We deliver it to your property.

2

Plant & Mulch

Machine-dug hole, native soil backfill, deep watering, and mulch ring installed.

3

Follow-Up

Written care instructions plus a 30-day establishment check from our crew.

Sun
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Growth Rate
3–4 ft/yr
Mature Height
30–50 ft
Canopy Spread
30–40 ft
Foliage
Deciduous
Foliage
Deciduous
Native Range
SW United States
Soil
Alkaline / Any
Best For
Fast Shade, Medium Yards
Category
Shade
Nursery
40 Acres, Atascosa TX

Very fast — 3–4 feet per year, making them one of the quickest shade solutions for San Antonio properties.

Yes — they turn a nice golden yellow in fall, typically in November.

Moderate lifespan of 30–50 years. They’re best as a quick-shade solution while slower, longer-lived trees establish.

Moderately. They need more water than most native species, especially in their first few years. Once established, they handle SA summers with occasional supplemental water.

October through March is ideal.

We offer Arizona Ash from younger trees to large specimens. Field-grown at our nursery in Atascosa. Call (210) 202-4284.

Yes. Professional delivery and planting across the SA metro. Request a free quote.

They drop leaves in fall and can produce seed clusters. Regular leaf cleanup is needed in November–December. The fast shade benefit outweighs the seasonal cleanup for most homeowners.