Chalara Dieback of Ash

For those of you who missed it in our Autumn Newsletter…

Following on from several reports in the national press we thought we had better drop you all a quick line on our interpretation of the significance of this disease and what it means for you.

• It will not make your trees imminently dangerous.
• The disease causes leaf loss & crown dieback and MAY lead to tree death.
• It is mostly specific to common Ash (Fraxinus excelsior).
• There is no evidence that it can be spread to tree species other than Ash or that it is harmful to the health of people or animals.
• It is spread by wind blown spores.
• It is unlikely to spread during winter.

My understanding is that there isn't anything 'we' can do at the moment, particularly as the symptoms, certainly at this stage, will only be evident and visible in the Summer when the tree is in leaf.

Please get in touch if you are worried and would like any further help or advice. For more information on this please see The Forestry Commission's website.