Last updated on July 16th, 2026 at 02:38 pm
The Raywood Ash Tree (Fraxinus oxycarpa ‘Raywood’) is one of the best shade trees for the Desert Southwest. It thrives in full sun, tolerates our hot, dry climate, and adapts well to a wide range of soil conditions, including the alkaline soils commonly found throughout southern New Mexico, West Texas, Arizona, and other Southwest regions.
One of its most attractive features is its beautiful seasonal color. During spring and summer, the tree is covered with glossy, dark green leaves that provide dense, cooling shade. As temperatures begin to cool in autumn, the foliage transforms into a stunning burgundy-red color, making it one of the most colorful shade trees available for Southwest landscapes.
The Raywood Ash is also known for its resistance to Ash blight, making it a dependable, low-maintenance choice compared to some other ash varieties. Like most deciduous trees, it will drop all of its leaves during the winter months. Don’t be concerned when this happens—it is a normal part of the tree’s annual growth cycle. New leaves emerge in mid to late spring, and the tree quickly becomes lush and full again.
Young Raywood Ash trees have an upright growth habit and often grow almost straight up during their first two to five years after planting. As the tree matures, the canopy gradually spreads and develops into a broad, rounded shape that provides excellent shade for patios, lawns, and large backyards.
This is considered a fast-growing tree, but it tends to grow upright. Under good growing conditions, it can reach approximately 50 to 60 feet tall with a spread of about 30 to 40 feet. Because of its mature size, it should be planted well away from homes, driveways, sidewalks, and overhead utility lines to allow plenty of room for future growth.
The fall Color of the Raywood Ash
It is deer-resistant and, once established, requires little water. Establishment usually occurs in the third or fourth year of the Southwest. It is a good shade tree and can withstand drought for years. Raywood trees are low-maintenance trees that are good for landscaping needs. They will do well in Desert or Xeriscaping landscapes, but watering is crucial for the first 3-4 years.
Fertilize and water often during the first 2-3 years after planting for faster growth. A good tree and shrub fertilizer with an analysis of 19-8-10 will work well.
The Raywood is a good source of fall color and is somewhat drought Tolerant. However, it is best to water consistently during the first 3 years after initial planting. It is a good landscaping street tree and with age, provides lots of shade during the summer months. Plant as a single specimen, in a grove for more widespread shade or for seasonal shading on hotter south and west exposures.
Problems with the Raywood Ash tree.
It is a hardy tree for the Southwest region of the USA. Insects and diseases are rare. Verticillium wilt will sometimes infect this tree, a good spraying with a copper-based fungicide will cure it from this disease.
Care of the Raywood Ash
The Raywood Ash tree thrives with basic care and attention to its needs. Plant it in well-drained soil and give it full sun for the best growth. Water deeply during dry spells, especially while the tree is young. Once established, it’s fairly drought-tolerant, but regular watering keeps it healthier. Prune in late winter to shape the tree and remove dead branches. You’ll also need to keep an eye out for pests like aphids and diseases such as ash decline. Applying mulch around the base helps conserve moisture and protect roots, but don’t let it touch the trunk. With proper care, this tree rewards you with beautiful fall foliage and strong growth.
Conclusion
Looking back, it’s clear that the Raywood Ash Tree is pretty easy to care for. Just make sure it gets full sun and well-drained soil. You’re all set for a thriving tree with these simple steps. So why not give it a try and plant one today?
More Information on the Raywood Ash is here.
More trees for the southwest right here. Southwest Trees.
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Paul Guzman is a lifelong Southwest gardener and gardening writer with decades of experience helping homeowners grow beautiful landscapes in the desert Southwest. He writes for Guzman’s Garden Centers in Las Cruces, New Mexico, with contributing expertise from Gary Guzman, owner of Guzman’s Garden Centers. If you have any questions or enjoyed this post, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
I planted a Raywood Ash tree last spring . It did very well, and I expected it to do well this year. But although the branches seem pliable and alive, and there are rather hard leaf buds on the tree, it has shown no sign of leafing out. It is mid-April now. Does this tree start showing leaves late?
Hello, Steve. Yes, the Raywood Ash should be showing signs of life right now. My guess is you are not providing it with enough water. Every other day on a drip system about 4-7 gal. each time should ok. If the stems are pliable that is a good sign. Check your drip system making sure it is working correctly. Also, check the drippers themselves, they need to be close to the trunk of your tree. If watering by hand make sure you are applying at least 5 gallons of water each time. You could also try watering every day for about 10 days to see if it responds. Again, 5 gallons of water each time.
I have a Raywood ash that was planted in a grass yard in Phoenix a year ago. It just started leafing out about 10 -14days ago, but it only has clumps of leaves on the end of each branch. It appears to have many leaf buds on each branch, but they seem dry. I have been watering it deeply once a week and it gets a little water from the lawn sprinklers, as welI. I will water it more often as you advised the previous poster, but I thought less frequent, deeper watering was important.
Is it a bad idea to fertilize it now that it is 100 degrees and more? I did not fertilize it in the spring. Thank you!
Hello, Noel. I believe your Raywood Ash may have a disease called “witch’s broom”. It is a viral fungus that attacks many types of trees. You can visit the following page for more information. Insects and diseases on plants. There is a picture of a Birch tree with this fungus if your tree looks similar that is the problem. Please keep me updated for further information.
Hi Paul,
Thank you for answering my question. Fortunately, the tree does not have “witches broom.” It gained more leaf clusters after increased water and some fertilizer.
This is good news. I am happy that is all it needed.