Ash Dieback
Ash dieback (Hymenoschyphus fraxineus) is a highly significant disease affecting our native ash tree (Fraxinus excelsior), it was first recorded in the UK in 2012. It is expected to wipe out 80% of all Ash trees. Currently there are no ways of treating ash trees.
What does ash dieback look like?
Ash dieback can affect ash trees of all ages. Younger trees succumb to the disease quicker but in general, all affected trees will have these symptoms:
- Leaves develop dark patches in the summer.
- They then wilt and discolour to black. Leaves might shed early.
- Dieback of the shoots and leaves is visible in the summer.
- Lesions develop where branches meet the trunk. These are often diamond-shaped and dark brown.
- Inner bark looks brownish-grey under the lesions.
- New growth from previously dormant buds further down the trunk. This is known as epicormic growth and is a common response to stress in trees.
What happens to the tree?
The fungus overwinters in leaf litter on the ground, particularly on ash leaf stalks. It produces small white fruiting bodies between July and October which release spores into the surrounding atmosphere.
These spores can blow tens of miles away. They land on leaves, stick to and then penetrate into the leaf and beyond. The fungus then grows inside the tree, eventually blocking its water transport systems, causing it to die.
The tree can fight back, but year-on-year infections will eventually kill it.
At Advanced trees and grounds, we are fully equipped and prepared to carry out the removal of Ash trees that are suffering with Ash die back. The trees soon become unsafe and too brittle to climb, as a company, we have invested in 20m MEWP to carry out this work safely, and we also have large chippers and excavators to deal with these trees.
If you have any concerns with regards to your trees in relation to Ash die back, please do get in contact with us.
