What is the threat to the ash population in the District and in the UK?
Chalara dieback of ash is a disease of ash trees caused by a fungus called Chalara fraxinea. The disease causes leaf loss in affected trees, and can lead to tree death.
The Forestry Commission state that it is potentially a very serious threat. Experience of the outbreak in Europe indicates that it kills young ash trees very quickly, while older trees tend to resist it for some time until prolonged exposure causes them to succumb as well.
There is no evidence of any risk to humans or animals from Chalara fraxinea.
Reporting suspected cases
The Council are carrying out inspections of trees that may be affected, particularly young trees in Cherry Orchard Jubilee Country Park, however, if you notice the disease on any trees on Council land or on any tree with a Tree Preservation Order please contact the Customer Services on 01702 318111.
Otherwise please click on the below link to the Forestry Commission website which has a video on how to recognise the disease and a contact number 08459 33 55 77 (open 8am – 6pm every day) to ring to report cases:
http://www.forestry.gov.uk/chalara
Further information
How you can stop the spread of Chalara fraxinea
We do ask that if you are visiting an area of trees, please take some simple precautions:
- do not remove any plant material (firewood, sticks, leaves or cuttings)
- where possible, before leaving the area , clean soil, mud, leaves and other plant material from footwear, clothing, dogs, horses, the wheels and tyres of bicycles, baby buggies, carriages and other vehicles, and remove any leaves which are sticking to your car
- before visiting other countryside sites, parks, garden centres and nurseries, thoroughly wash footwear, wheels and tyres in soapy water
The latest Government scientist’s understanding of the disease
- the spores are unlikely to survive for more than a few days
- spore dispersal on the wind is possible from mainland Europe
- trees need a high dose of spores to become infected
- the spores are produced from infected dead leaves during the months of June to September
- there is a low probability of dispersal on clothing or animals and birds
- the disease will attack any species of ash
- the disease becomes obvious in trees within months rather than years
- wood products would not spread the disease if treated properly
- once infected, trees can’t be cured
- not all trees die of the infection, and some are likely to have genetic resistance.
