We are looking for a tree in the 25 foot high 15 foot spread range with an open canopy suitable for a western exposure, zone 5 (high site above Hope). The 4 year old 20 foot high golden locust we had there broke over the summer in a high wind- it broke our heart too! A fraxinus oxycarpa (Raywood Ash) has been proposed but it is a little bit big and would have to be pruned back over time. A steep slope, another tree and the location of the house do not permit moving the tree. Any suggestions or can we prune the ash back and keep in to the size? Thanks, Johnh1
If you were to want a breakage problem a 'Raywood' ash is a very good way to be likely to have one. If the locust still has a trunk section left it may be possible to have it grow back a new top. Sounds like it thrived (20'/4yrs) and grew soft growth that failed. So spot may not be so harsh. Have you been watering? Maybe discontinue that and get firmer growth out of the locust. Otherwise, surely many other options, what to get depending on what you characteristics you want or might like besides a certain really quite small mature size.
