First leaf

Ash leaves are compound and usually have about 3-6 pairs of leaflets that are distinctively pointed. There is a single leaflet at the end of the leaf. The leaflets have toothed edges.

Record first leaf on ash trees when the leaf is fully open and recognisably the shape, if not the full size of the adult leaf.  The leaf must be erect but the leaflets don’t yet need to be.

If you have recorded ash events before, please continue to record on the same tree.

Expected date range: mid April to late May

Available historic data: we have individual records from 1753-1810, and from 1819-1937. We have good records from 1938-1947, and from 1972-1999.