Ash wood 

Ash wood is one of the most popular types of wood. It is considered a

ductile wood with characteristics ranging from high calorific value to
exceptional flexibility. Ash is a much-loved and used wood so it is
hoped that the park in Europe will soon recover.

The common ash tree

In 2001 the common ash tree was voted "Tree of the Year". It is one of the three
species of ash found in Europe: in addition to the common ash, manna ash and
narrow-leaved ash also originate from the European continent. Although the
name suggests otherwise, the "mountain ash" tree is not one of the ash trees.
Ash trees belong to the family of olive trees.

The ash tree (Fraxinus excelsior) can reach heights of about 40 meters in good
condition and is therefore one of the tallest deciduous trees on our continent. It
is often found in association with beech trees. Where beech is less lush, e.g. in
damp alluvial forests or on dry limestone soils, there are usually larger ash
forests. However, it rarely reaches its maximum growth height. Most specimens
only grow between 15 and 20 meters. Ash is not only appreciated for its wood. It
also plays an important role in mythology: "Yggdrasil" - is the tree of the world
found in Nordic mythology, according to Edda.

In naturopathy, parts of this tree have been used as medicine since ancient
times. Tea made from ash leaves is considered to have a diuretic effect and oil,
from grated bark, was also used to treat gout, broken bones and rheumatism.
Unfortunately, deaths by ingestion of these products have been recorded since
the 1990s. The causes, spread from Poland to Austria to Germany, are
attributable to a fungal attack on withered and falling leaves and dead spots on
the trunk. Scientists are trying to counter the extinction of the plant species,
which has been almost completely exterminated in Denmark, for example, by
breeding fungus-resistant ash trees. The Asian beetle from Asia also represents
a growing threat to the species.

Ash wood: a noble wood with special properties

The most important deciduous woods in Central Europe are beechwoods,  the
oak and the ash. Ash wood is used especially when elasticity and strength are
required. Manufacturers use the special properties of ash wood for bent parts in
boat construction, furniture construction and sports equipment construction.