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Open crown of a European Ash with compound green foliageTrees

Fraxinus excelsior

European Ash

ash treenative treeavenue treeautumn colourecologically valuable

European Ash is a stately, fast-growing native tree with an open, airy crown and compound leaves that appear late in spring. In autumn, the foliage turns golden yellow. Ash plays a vital ecological role, supporting hundreds of species of insects and lichens. Unfortunately, the species is threatened by ash dieback disease.

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Before
After

Characteristics

Sun
Full sun
Water
Medium
Height
2000–3500 cm
Spread
800–2000 cm
Hardiness zone
4–8
Family
Oleaceae
Evergreen
No
Flower colors
green
Wildlife value
birds, insects

Bloom period

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Care guide

Plant in full sun in moist, nutrient-rich, preferably chalky soil. Ash tolerates exposed, windy locations and wet soil conditions. Water young trees well. Watch for signs of ash dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus) and remove affected branches promptly.

Pruning tips

Prune in winter when the tree is dormant. Remove dead wood, crossing branches, and any disease-affected parts. Ash tolerates moderate pruning but prefers to develop a natural crown.

Good companions

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Betula pendula

Silver Birch

Silver Birch is a graceful, fast-growing tree with striking white bark that peels in thin layers over the years. The fine, pendulous branches give the tree an airy, elegant silhouette. In autumn, the small triangular leaves turn bright yellow.

Full sunMedium1000–2500 cm
Broad crown of a Small-leaved Lime with heart-shaped green leavesTrees

Tilia cordata

Small-leaved Lime

Small-leaved Lime is a stately, long-lived tree with a broad, densely branched crown and heart-shaped, glossy green leaves. In June and July, fragrant, yellow-green flowers appear that attract vast numbers of bees — the lime is one of Europe's most important bee plants. In autumn, the foliage turns warm yellow.

Full sunMedium1500–3000 cm
Rowan with orange-red berry clusters in an autumn gardenTrees

Sorbus aucuparia

Rowan

Rowan is a graceful native tree with pinnate leaves, white flower clusters in late spring and stunning orange-red berry clusters in autumn. The tree is one of the most important food sources for birds in winter. The foliage turns beautiful orange and red in autumn.

Full sunMedium600–1200 cm