Evergreen Ash

Evergreen Ash (Fraxinus griffithii) is the shade tree for gardens that do not have room for a shade tree. It settles at about 8m tall and 5m wide, holds its leaves all year, and carries a root system well behaved enough to plant near paving, paths and services. Frothy white flower panicles come through the warmer months above glossy foliage.

Why you'll love it

• Roots that stay out of trouble. Non-invasive and fibrous, which is why it is used as a street tree and can go closer to paving than most shade trees.
• Shade all year. Being evergreen, the canopy is working in July as well as January, so it screens an overlooking window through winter too.
• A sensible size. At 8m by 5m it gives real shade on a normal suburban block without swallowing the garden or the neighbour's light.
• Coastal and wind tolerant. Salt tolerant and comfortable in wind, so seaside blocks suit it.
• Drought and heat tolerant. After the first two summers it needs very little water.

Where it works best

Small garden shade. One tree over a seating area or a lawn gives usable shade without the root and canopy problems of a bigger species.

Driveways and avenues. Plant 5m to 6m apart to match the mature spread, so the canopies just touch and the drive keeps its clearance.

Feature planting. A single specimen holds a neat rounded head with almost no shaping, and a matched pair frames an entry.

Growing Evergreen Ash in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun. It suits tropical, subtropical, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens, and takes light frost only. Cold inland districts and the tablelands are outside its range.

Soil. Adaptable, provided the site drains. Improve the backfill with compost, and on heavy clay plant on a raised mound. Mulch 75mm deep out to the drip line, kept off the trunk.

Water and feed. Deep soak twice a week through the first two summers, then taper off as it becomes drought tolerant. A complete slow release fertiliser in early spring thickens the canopy while the tree is young.

Pruning. Very little. Formative pruning in the first few winters sets a single leader and lifts the canopy to head height. After that it holds its own shape.

What to expect when it arrives

It is grown from 140mm packs of 10 and 200mm packs of 6, through single 300mm pots, to 30L, 45L and 90L trees. The packs are the value option for a street planting or a long boundary, and they catch up quickly. From 30L upward you are buying a formed head and immediate height.

Trees are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost. Some leaf drop after transit is normal rather than a fault, and new growth usually appears within four to six weeks in warm weather. Every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Choosing a canopy tree for shade
• Trees with non-invasive roots
• Small trees for urban gardens
• Browse driveway and avenue trees

Common questions

How close to the house or driveway can I plant it?

Closer than most shade trees, because the roots are fibrous and non-invasive. About 3m of clearance still makes sense so the 5m canopy is not growing into the roof.

Is it really evergreen?

In warm gardens, yes, it holds foliage all year. At the cooler end of its range it can thin briefly in late winter before the spring flush, so treat it as near evergreen in cooler districts.

Will it grow in a coastal garden?

Yes. It is salt tolerant and wind tolerant, which makes it a reliable street and garden tree in seaside suburbs. Stake young trees for their first two years in an exposed position.

Does it drop much litter?

Not much. It holds its leaves year round and sheds gradually rather than all at once, which is easier to live with over a driveway than a deciduous tree.