Ash Die Back
What is Ash Die Back?
Ash die back is a lethal disease that represents substantial threat to all UK ash trees. First detected in the country in 2012 ash die back is now very widespread and is present in the Bath and Wiltshire area. The disease affects ash trees of all ages with younger tress dying off in a single season and older, larger ash taking several seasons to die. Ash die back has the ability to kill the tree however as the disease weakens the tree, it opens up the chances of other pathogens (Like honey fungus) infecting the tree which accelerates the decline of the ash.
Ash Die Back
How to recognise Ash Die Back
Symptoms of Ash Die Back include:
Overall crown dieback. Visible signs of the tips of the branches dying off.
Prolific epicormic growth. (upright growth shoots usually located along the branches and stems)
Black blotches on the base or middle of the leaf which start to wilt
Diamond shaped lesions on the bark of stems and branches
Dark lesions at the base of the trunk (basal lesions)
Ash Die Back
What Should you Do with an Infected Ash Tree?
Because Ash die back causes the tree to be structurally unsound, owners of infected trees should consider what would happen if parts of the tree or the whole tree were too fail.
Retain the tree - If the tree is located well away from properties/members of the public then leaving the tree is advised as the deadwood in the canopy can create great habitat.
Pollard or heavy reduction - Trees that currently over hang or are in danger of falling onto property could be slowly managed to by carrying out heavy reductions or pollarding this would remove a lot of the weight and risk of failure but retain the tree to allow it to attempt to re grow.
Complete removal - A majority of the time, it wouldn't be worth the risk to carry out a pollard or reduction and unfortunately the best option is to remove the whole tree.
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Still unsure on what to do with your ash tree? Get in touch today for professional and informative advise.
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