About ash dieback
Ash dieback is a fungal disease that affects ash trees.
It's thought to have arrived in the UK in the early 2000s on infected planting stock from continental Europe.
The impact of ash dieback
The fungus that causes ash dieback blocks the water transport system within the leaves and branches of ash trees, causing them to die back. As the fungus spreads through the tree, more and more branches are affected, until eventually the whole tree dies.
It is expected that up to 90% of the UK ash population will eventually be affected by the disease.
Currently there is estimated to be approximately 9 million ash trees throughout Derbyshire, meaning ash dieback will have a significant impact on the county landscape.
How to identify ash dieback
The most common symptoms associated with ash dieback include:
- blackening and wilting of leaves and small shoots
- diamond shaped lesions or cankers at the joins between twigs and branches
- dieback of shoots and branches
A useful photo guide of ash dieback symptoms and disorders often mistaken for ash dieback is available from Forest Research.
What we are doing
We've developed an Ash Dieback Action Plan which sets out how we'll manage the progression of ash dieback throughout the county.
This will primarily involve identifying and managing the risks created by the disease to public safety (from falling trees and branches), infrastructure (roads, rail and utilities) and the wider environment (landscape, ecology and ecosystem services).
Initially the management of trees posing a risk to public safety and infrastructure will be prioritised, followed by the risks to our wider environment in the medium to long term.
What you can do
If you spot an ash tree displaying symptoms of ash dieback that may pose a risk to people or property, let us know:
If you own or manage an individual or a small group of ash trees, or woodlands containing ash trees, you should monitor these for symptoms of ash dieback.
If your trees start to decline and you suspect ash dieback, you need to consider the risks posed by the trees to surrounding people and property and the tree management options available to you.
You should consult a tree professional before carrying out any works on trees affected by ash dieback. You can find comprehensive guidance on ash dieback management:
It's very important to retain ash trees that show any kind of tolerance to the disease as these will have the greatest potential to survive and reproduce to create the next generation of ash trees. A tree professional will be able to advise you of the options available to you regarding removal or retention.
For further information, you can email ash.dieback@derbyshire.gov.uk.