Raywood Ash Failure: Black Heartwood Doesn’t Mean Disease

The Situation

A neighbor’s Raywood ash fell in a Merced, CA storm, crushing property. The heartwood was black, but roots were intact and wood was solid.

Black Heartwood ≠ Decay

Many species naturally develop dark heartwood due to mineral deposits (extractives). If the wood is hard, not mushy, and a nail won’t push in easily, it’s sound wood, not decay.

Why It Fell

• Uprooting: Root zone too restricted, poor soil, or saturated ground.
• Trunk snap: Extreme wind load on a solid tree.

Neither indicates a contagious disease threatening nearby trees.

Advice

Healthy Raywood ashes in the area are not at elevated risk. Focus on proper planting space, irrigation, and structural pruning for your own trees.