Ash dieback FAQ

What is Ash Dieback?

Ash dieback is a disease that causes leaf loss and dying branches, and can lead to the death of a tree.

See link https://www.trees.org.uk/Trees.org.uk/media/Treesorg.uk/Documents/FC/Chalara.pdf

What treatment is available?

The disease attacks ash trees quickly and there currently is no prevention or treatment available.

How is Ash Dieback spread?

Local spread of up to tens of miles can be caused by the wind blowing spores of the fungus. Spread over longer distances is most likely to be through the movement of diseased ash plants.

What are the different levels of infection?

Minor: early stage infection

Level 1: 0% to 25% infection

Level 2: 25% to 50% infection

Level 3: 50% to 75% infection

Level 4: 75% to100% infection (dead)

Why do you need to fell the trees?

The disease has an impact on the structural integrity of the tree causing limbs to shed and in the worst cases trees to fall. We need to fell any infected tree that may cause harm to users of the Public Highway or County Council land.

Why have I received a letter asking me to remove an ash tree?

Ash tree(s) situated on your land, is showing symptoms indicative of ash dieback, which is within falling distance of the highway.

I have received a letter for an ash tree in the boundary hedge.

Trees which form part of the original boundary feature, are maintainable by the adjacent landowner as the accepted assumption is that boundary features are constructed / grown in order to separate the adjoining land from the highway, it is further considered that the boundary feature itself is also not part of the highway, i.e. the highway extends up to, but does not include, the boundary feature, in this instance the trees / hedge.

I have received a letter; however I do not have any trees on my land.

Please accept our sincere apologies, and please contact us at ashdieback@gloucestershire.gov.uk to let us know, so we can update our records.

Where can I find an approved arborist?

The Arboricultural Association has a directory of approved ARB contractors.

Link https://www.trees.org.uk/ARB-Approved-ContractorDirectory

Choosing your arborist leaflet

https://www.trees.org.uk/Trees.org.uk/media/Treesorg.uk/Documents/ArbAC/Choosing-Your-Arborist-Lft-19Public.pdf

How many trees will be affected by Ash Dieback within the County?

Ash trees are very common in Gloucestershire, it is estimated between 27,000 to 32,000 GCC Highways ash trees will require attention over the coming years.

There is a lot of vegetation, chippings and wood left on site?

In line with Gloucestershire Local Nature Partnership

(GLNP), Ash Dieback Position Statement.
A set amount of vegetation including wood and chippings, are left on site for habitat and biodiversity reasons, to aid natural regeneration opportunities for replacement tree cover.

Link https://www.gloucestershirenature.org.uk/forum/naturerecovery/ash-dieback-position-statement

Why are tall stumps left on site?

We have identified the presence of red data species; violet click beetle’s (Gambrinus violaceus, formerly Limoniscus violaceus) on a number of sites.

These beetles are found in the heart of decayed ancient trees, in Britain it has been found only in beech & ash trees.

Where it is safe to do so large mature stumps will be left at a reasonable height, along with some cord for habitat & biodiversity reasons.

Are there any plans for replanting?

Ash Dieback team have undertaken extensive surveys, and can report seeing promising evidence of natural rejuvenation upon numerous sites. GCC Highways will continue to encourage natural regeneration from the natural seed bank present in the soil, especially where infected ash has been removed in large numbers.

Within the capacity of the Ash Dieback Project, sites suitable for replanting will be added to a list of sites to be replanted.

Ash Dieback team will continue to work with local parish councils to identify areas suitable for replanting or consider donations of whips to aid local community replanting schemes. This planting work is being undertaken in addition to the County Councils existing pledge on tree planting.

I require a road closure / traffic management.

GCC Streetworks team process all traffic management applications.

Application forms can be found via link

https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/business-property-andeconomy/licences-and-permits/street-works-licenceapplication/ or email streetworks@gloucestershire.gov.uk, please note on application “works are for trees infected with Ash Dieback”.