Modesto Ash
Fraxinus velutina 'Modesto'
- Stay Protected with Plant Sentry ™
Modesto Ash - #3 Container 4-5 Feet is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry is designed to protect both consumers and the nursery trade from invasive plant pests and diseases. Sites that display the Plant Sentry protection badge are protected from consumers buying and nurseries shipping material carrying invasive pests and diseases.
This proprietary eCommerce software prevents the shipment of a restricted plant to each state. The Plant Sentry system includes a shipment certification program. The Plant Sentry Compliance Officer works closely with NatureHills.com and each nursery or fulfillment center to ensure only compliant plants are sold to customers.
Click Here to learn more

Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Shipping
To obtain a more accurate shipment time-frame, simply enter your zip code in the “Find Your Growing Zone” box to the right. Our plants are grown all over the country and lead time on items may be different because of this. Once your order is placed, you will also receive the specific shipment time-frame information as part of your order confirmation. Once an item ships, you will receive shipment notification and tracking numbers, so you can follow along while your plant travels to your doorstep. We use FedEx, UPS, or USPS at our discretion.
Due to winter weather we have put a hold on shipping to the areas shown below in grey. You can still order now and we will ship the plant to you during an appropriate time for your zone.
Standard Shipping Rates
At Nature Hills we handle, package and ship the products you order with the utmost care to ensure healthy delivery. Shipping and handling charges are calculated based on the tables below. Please note that some items include an additional handling surcharge, these will be noted on the item's product page.
From | To | S&H |
---|---|---|
$0 | $19.99 | $24.99 |
$20 | $49.99 | $29.99 |
$50 | $69.99 | $34.99 |
$70 | $99.99 | $39.99 |
$100 | $129.99 | $44.99 |
$130 | $149.99 | $48.99 |
$150 | $150+ | Approx 28% |
Click here to see our full rates
Understanding Plant Options
Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:
- Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
- Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements
Container Plant Sizes
Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.
Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
---|---|---|
2" x 2" x 3" | 0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts | 0.20 - 0.23 dry liters |
4" Container | 0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts | 0.35 - 0.96 dry liters |
4.5" Container | 0.65 dry quarts | 0.72 dry liters |
6" Container | 1.4 dry quarts | 1.59 dry liters |
1 Quart | 1 dry quart | 1.1 dry liters |
5.5" Container | 1.89 dry quarts | 2.08 dry liters |
Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
---|---|---|
2 Quart | 2 dry quarts | 2.2 dry liters |
#1 Container | 2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts | 2.49 - 4.11 dry liters |
5" x 5" x 12" | 3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts | 3.85 - 4.74 dry liters |
Mature Plants (2-4 years old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
---|---|---|
#2 Container | 1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons | 5.24 - 7.75 dry liters |
#3 Container | 2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons | 8.14 - 12.16 dry liters |
Large Plants (3-5 years old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
---|---|---|
#5 Container | 2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons | 12.86 - 20.35 dry liters |
#6 Container | 5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons | 23.12 - 26.42 dry liters |
#7 Container | 5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons | 26.34 - 28.76 dry liters |
Bare Root Plants
Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.
Common Sizes:
- Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
- Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet
Important Notes
Container Volume Specifications
- Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
- Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
- Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents
Growing Conditions
- Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
- Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
- Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment
Seasonal Availability
- Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
- Container plants are available throughout the growing season
- Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes
Questions?
For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.
Plant Highlights
Modesto Ash highlights at a glance!
Specifications
Specifications
-
Brand
-
Botanical Name
-
Growing Zones
-
Mature Height
-
Mature Spread
-
Sun ExposureFull Sun
-
Moisture
-
Soil
-
Growth RateMedium
-
Flower Color
-
Fall Color
-
Pollinator Friendly
-
Pruning Time
-
Bloom PeriodEarly Spring

Growing Zones 6-9
Compact, Seedless Male Modesto Ash Tree
- Grafted Male Selection of Native Tree
- Seedless
- Fast-Growing
- Narrow Canopy
- Wonderful Shade or Street Tree
- Green Leaves Feature Velvety Undersides
- Spectacular Yellow Fall Color
- Highly Textured Bark for Winter Interest
- Can Be Grown in Partial Shade
- Grows in Alkaline Soils
- Listed as Fire Resistant
- Easy Care
Small lots need modern trees that won’t take up too much room. If you need super-fast shade, but must have a “right-sized” tree, choose the compact Modesto Ash (Fraxinus velutina 'Modesto').
This grafted male selection stays a bit shorter than its cousins, Fan Tex and Arizona Ash. Rather than rounded, the canopy stays narrow. And because it’s male, there are no messy seeds (or seedlings) to worry about!
This deciduous tree features pretty, compound leaves that range from bright lime to dark green. Each small leaflet has a fuzzy texture on the bottom side.
They’ll look great all season and cast a wonderful shade for you and your family and friends at your barbeques and swimming parties.
Just wait until the fall color develops! The Modesto Ash delivers an excellent display of golden-yellow that lasts a long time.
Modesto Ash is a wonderful shade tree for the hot, arid climates and high pH soil found in the Southwest and California. It is a clean shade tree that is easy to grow and love. Order yours today!
How to Use Modesto Ash in the Landscape
Save on your energy bills with these trees planted on the south or west side of your property. Use one as a specimen or plan out an impressive landscape feature using 3, 5 or 7 of them.
Try mixing them with Fan Tex Ash in an effective grouping. Plant the Modesto to the east of the Fan Tex, as it tolerates partial shade.
These trees work well to beautifully delineate your property line. Plant them along your street, driveway or fence line.
If you want the canopies to grow together and touch, space them 15 feet apart on center. You’ll measure from the trunk of one to the trunk of the next.
As with all Ash trees, allow at least 20 feet from any structures or poured concrete. Don’t select Modesto Ash for use in front of windows. Fan Tex Ash is better able to handle reflective heat.
#ProPlantTips for Care
Plant Modesto Ash in either full sun or partial shade conditions. It needs at least 4 hours of direct sunlight a day.
This variety is perfectly suited to high-pH alkaline soils. It can withstand tough levels of electrical conductivity, where the salinity of the soil is high. It is adaptable to many types of soil, including clay, loam, and sand, as long as they are well-drained.
Protect your investment with careful watering during the first season. Once it is established in your soil, it has a moderate tolerance for drought. Give it a deep drink when it turns really hot out.
Apply mulch to help the root system stay cool. Spread a three-inch thick layer out three feet from the canopy. Mulch should not touch the trunk, so pull it away from the tree by several inches.
Prune Modest Ash to correct form or remove branches in late winter. Fertilize with an organic, slow-release formula. Follow the directions and application rate on the package.
You’ll love how fast the compact Modesto Ash grows to provide an attractive feature in your landscape. Order yours today at NatureHills.com!