Ash Dieback Disease (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus)
Ash Dieback is a long-term fungal disease that affects ash trees across Europe. It causes leaves to fall early and the tops of trees to die back.
The fungus, called Chalara fraxinea, was first found in the UK in 2012. It has now spread across Somerset and is common in the Mendip area. Experts believe it could kill up to 95% of ash trees in the UK. This will have a big impact on the landscape and cost billions of pounds.
It is important to understand the health and safety risks if you own or manage ash trees.
Key risks include:
- Danger to people and property, as infected trees can become weak and break more easily
- The need to manage infected trees safely, using a trained and insured tree specialist
- Landowners’ duty to manage their trees and keep people safe
- Loss of ash trees, which affects wildlife and the local landscape
- The need to plant new trees to replace those that are removed
Local tree and landscape experts can offer advice about Ash Dieback. If you think your ash tree is affected, follow the guidance provided.
Helpline and email information
The Forestry Commission and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs have a helpline for reporting suspected cases of ash dieback. Call03459 335577.
If you email details, include your name, address and the location of the tree. Provide photos if you can, as this helps with faster diagnosis. Email: plant.health@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Acute Oak Decline
Acute oak decline can kill a tree in as little as four or five years. It affects hundreds of trees in central and south-east England, and parts of Wales.
Signs include dark fluid leaking from cracks in the bark on the trunk. As the tree becomes weaker, the canopy (treetop) thins and branches begin to die back.
The Forestry Commission provides information on where it has spread, how to spot it, and what to do. You can also report suspected cases on the Forestry Commission website.