Question
We recently lost our lovely ash tree in a storm.  We then cut the truck back at ground level.  A number of "spouts" have grown wildly from the edge of the trunk.  Right now one (with numerous stems) is leafy and likely over a foot tall.  I would like to transplant these or even continue to let them grow there.  Possible?  What would be best?  Thank you.

Answer
Hi Nancy,
Thanx for your question.

You can take cuttings from your ash and make new trees.  The best way to do this is to take cuttings from green wood (the shoots).  Take cuttings in the spring, after the last frost, that are from the green wood, about 6 inches  long, strip all of the leaves except the last two or three.  Dip the cuttings in a rooting hormone and then stick the cuttings in moist, warm sand and keep the cuttings warm until the cuttings begin to root.  Rooting may begin as soon as 8 weeks.  You can check by gently probing around the cutting.  Chances are, it will take several months to get the large root growth.  

If your cuttings start sprouting new leaves, there is probably a significant root system and it's time to take the cuttings out of the rooting environment and plant the cuttings in separate pots.  Transfer the potted cuttings outdoors, provided, the environment is warm enough.  Place the potted cuttings in a place where they are shaded from direct sun, protected from extremes in rain, wind, hail, etc., for 10 days.  After that, plant your seedlings wherever you like as long as they get 8 hours of direct sunlight.

You can also dig around some of these sprouts and if they already have root system, cut them from the mother plant and transplant in the desired location.

I hope this helps.
Tom