Ash Tree Dieback
Tree surgery and gardening tips from Pollard Tree Care
Ash dieback is a disease which affects ash trees (Fraxinus species) in the UK. This is caused by a fungus (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus) that causes the tree to slowly die due to leaf loss and crown dieback. This fungus manifests in the trees and in younger trees this means a quicker dieback than older trees, who can sustain the fungus for a longer period of time. However, once exposed to the fungus for a prolonged amount of time, it is inevitable that the tree will die. Ash trees make up much of the UK woodland landscape and especially in Pollard Tree Care’s home town in Eastbourne, East Sussex. Here in Eastbourne we are surrounded by the Sussex Downs and many of the trees are Ash. As it is estimated that 95% of all Ash trees will die due to the disease, they need to be removed safely and properly. Ash trees are native to the UK and therefore provide a home to many species and natural habitats, therefore the result of loosing so many trees will have an impact on the UK woodland landscape as we know it. They have ‘airy’ leaves and therefore provide enough light to enter the woodland floor, allowing a range of different Flora and Fauna to flourish. Ash is also grown for timber purposes for buildings and construction as it is strong, durable, attractive and flexible.
How to identify dieback:
-Most leaves are shed prematurely and will be a dark brown in colour and look like they are almost rotting.
-If the disease has made its way onto the branches and trunk, there will be dark brown patched where the branch meets the trunk. This is a noticeable colour and indicated that the disease is present. This cuts off the supply of nutrients to the tree.
-Lesions where the branch meets the trunk dry out and cause cracking at these weaker points. These can be seen at any time throughout the year.
If you have an ash tree on your land or near your property/house it is important to identify the tree and whether it is sick early on. Then the tree can be removed when it is still safe to do so and without risk of branches falling and damaging properties or worse, causing injury. Pollard Tree Care is a company which has skilled climbers and have many years of experience with providing a service to safely remove trees and provide your tree surgery needs. Give us a call if you have any questions or would like us to come out for a quote in the East Sussex area.
