Abstract: | A field trial investigated the early performance of six tree species planted into an acidic minespoil ameliorated by ploughing or incorporation of 10 per cent by weight of pulverized fuel ash (PFA). Common alder, Italian alder and silver birch produced the greatest total shoot extensions for PFA-ameliorated minespoil. Rowan, sycamore and aspen were unsatisfactory for both ameliorative treatments. PFA increased the pH of the minespoil for a period of time potentially beneficial for the establishment of the tree species. For the rate of PFA application studied, general salinity effects and cold-water-soluble boron both presented problems for successful tree growth. |