Ash Dieback Update
Ash dieback will kill around 80% of ash trees across the UK. At a cost of billions, the effects will be staggering. It will change the landscape forever and threaten many species which rely on ash.
Common names: ash dieback, chalara
Scientific name: Hymenoscyphus fraxineus
What does it affect?: ash
Areas affected so far: the whole of the UK
Origin: originally from Asia, arrived in the UK via Europe
What happens to the tree?
The fungus overwinters in leaf litter on the ground, particularly on ash leaf stalks. It produces small white fruiting bodies between July and October which release spores into the surrounding atmosphere.
These spores can blow tens of miles away. They land on leaves, stick to and then penetrate into the leaf and beyond. The fungus then grows inside the tree, eventually blocking its water transport systems, causing it to die.
The tree can fight back, but year-on-year infections will eventually kill it.
The additional deadwood within the crown and reduced strength of infected trees can increase risks when undertaking the removal process.
There have already been some accidents by operatives undertaking infected tree removal without taking the necessary precautions.
At Beechwood Trees and Landscapes Ltd we have risk assessed this operation and will undertake the removal of trees with chalara safely and efficiently.
We will mechanise the operations as much as possible, using excavators and shears, mewps or truck mounted grapple saws.
Should you have any queries or need a site assessment regarding ash dieback then we will be happy to arrange for one of our experiences arboriculturists to take a look for you.
What to do if you spot ash dieback
Check the interactive map to check if you are in an area that has no ash dieback. If you are and think you have spotted the signs and symptoms report them through TreeAlert in Britain and TreeCheck in Northern Ireland.
Gardeners and managers of parks and other sites with ash trees can help stop the local spread of ash dieback by collecting the fallen ash leaves and burning, burying or deep composting them. This disrupts the fungus’s lifecycle.
If you manage a woodland you can find more guidance from the Forestry Commission here.
If you would like to contact to us, click below.