There is a reason European ash lines so many old avenues in Melbourne, Ballarat and Canberra. It is a large, upright deciduous tree with pinnate leaves and distinctive black winter buds, casting light summer shade and dropping cleanly in autumn. Growth is moderate to fast in full sun with moderate water, and it copes with alkaline soils and cold winters that trouble other shade trees.Two things to weigh before planting. It is a genuinely big tree and needs room well away from footpaths, drains and small buildings, because both the surface roots and the winged seed are prolific. And in cooler, moister districts European ash self-seeds along creek lines and is treated as an environmental weed in parts of Victoria and New South Wales, so check local advice before using it anywhere near bushland. On the right site, as a park, paddock or wide street tree, little else matches it for scale and longevity. Supplied at 75L.Choosing a sizeThis plant is supplied in one size, 75L, at $489.00 per plant. The size shown is the pot it arrives in, which is the rootball, not the height of the plant. Not sure which to choose? Read our guide to choosing a tree for a small backyard.
