Forestry – Corby
Find our how our team of arborists can help with ash dieback.
What is ash dieback?
Hymenoscyphus fraxineus or ash dieback is a fungus that is lethal to European ash (Fraxinus excelsior). It was first detected in the UK in 2012 and is now widespread.
Why is it a problem?
Ash dieback is a problem for UK ash trees as they have limited resilience to the disease. younger trees succumb to the disease quicker but the disease affects trees of all ages. It is predicted that it will kill up to 80% of ash trees in the UK. It will change the landscape and threaten many species which rely on ash.
It is hoped that a certain percentage of of trees will show a reasonable tolerance to ash dieback although none have been found to display complete resistance. With this in mind it has been advised that affected trees should not be felled unless dangerous in order to protect trees that have a natural genetic resistance. However, trees that have died or pose an immediate risk of danger should be felled in the interests of safety.
How to spot ash dieback?
- In the summer leaves develop dark patches.
- Leaves then wilt and discolour to black, they may shed early.
- Lesions develop where the branches meet the trunk. These are often dark brown and diamond-shaped.
- Inner bark under lesions looks brownish-grey.