This is the tree of the year 2025 (surprisingly elected): it grows in one of the busiest streets of Glasgow

The title of Tree of the Year 2025 went to an unexpected protagonist: the Argyle Street Ash, a ash that stands in the heart of Glasgow, in one of the busiest streets in the city. Despite the competition of centuries -old trees with a majestic appearance, it was precisely this urban specimen that conquered the public, showing that even a tree immersed in concrete can have a huge cultural and emotional value.

From excluding to winner thanks to the public

The peculiarity of the victory lies in the fact that Armle Ash had not even been included in the initial list of the nine candidates chosen by the experts. His participation came only later, like Wildcard Entry, thanks to the proposal of citizens who strongly wanted him in the race. In the end, popular support rewarded him with the final victory, also overcoming famous candidates such as the famous King of Limbs, the Wiltshire oak that inspired the Radiohead.

A tree rooted in culture

The theme of this year, “Rooted in cultures”, wanted to celebrate the trees that left traces in literature, music and art. The Argyle Street Ash has shown that it has this link thanks to a quote by journalist James Cowan, who in the book Glasgow’s Treasure Chest of 1951 described it as “the most graceful ash I’ve ever seen“. A phrase that still stands framed in the pub located right in front of the tree, as if to testify how nature and culture can also live together in the middle of urban traffic.

A European challenge incidents

With this victory, Glasgow’s ash will represent the United Kingdom in the European final to be held in 2026. The result shows how sensitivity to green is growing even in cities, where trees often resist like small bulwarks against cement and smog. Despite the cars, horn and frenzy of a large road artery, Armle Ash managed to get noticed, transforming itself into a symbol of resilience and urban identity.

The other wonders in the standings

In second place we find the aforementioned King of Limbs, followed by the suggestive Lonely Tree overlooking Lake Llyn Padarn in Wales and the ancient Lady Jane Gray Oak in Leicester’s Bradte Park. To complete the Top Five there is an impressive chiswick house cedar in London, made immortal by a beatles shot.

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