Expert: Jim Hyland - 7/6/2009

Question
i have two arizona ash trees about two years old that refuse to grow. we live in  southern new mexico, so they get watered deep 2 or 3 times a week. they don't appear to have any type of disease, any suggestions?

Answer
Hardwood trees tend to grow a root system before they put on much height growth. If the foliage is green and healthy looking this is more than likely what is happening. You can try to fertilize the tree with 10-10-10 fertilize at the rate of 1 lb of fertilizer per inch of trunk diameter scattered around the tree and watered in good. This should speed up the growth process.