What ash dieback is, what we're doing about ash trees in our parks and streets, our tree planting plans, and what you need to do if you have ash trees on your land.
What is ash dieback?
Ash dieback:
- is a fungal disease affecting common ash trees
- is causing widespread decline of ash trees across the UK and Europe
- is spread from fungal spores carried by the wind, so very little can be done to prevent further spread
Most of the UK is experiencing ash dieback, including Bristol. The disease was first noted here in 2014, and it has become widespread in the south west.
Infected trees can become weaker and there is an increased risk of falling branches or trees.
Other tree diseases can also take hold and speed up their decline.
What we're doing about ash dieback
We've carried out an extensive audit of ash trees on our land, to understand:
- where ash trees are growing
- to what degree ash trees are affected by ash dieback
- the rate of decline
The audit showed that generally all our woodland areas contain ash trees. In in some areas, ash is the dominant species.
There are around 2,000 more ash trees across our parks, green spaces, and lining our streets and highway verges.
Our ash dieback removal and tree planting plans
Our plan to manage ash dieback disease includes:
- a programme of tree works targeting heavily infected ash trees in the city. This involves tree works to reduce associated risks, and, where this is not possible, the removal of those trees
- a 3-year tree planting programme to increase the city's tree canopy cover, including replanting with different species to offset the expected loss of ash trees
- planting new trees on highway grass verges across the city, bringing the benefit of trees close to where people live and making our road network greener
- promoting the natural regeneration of ash trees lost in woodland environments
Advice for landowners
You should check if you have any ash trees on your land. Check advice from the Woodland Trust to identify ash trees.
If you have ash trees on your land, it's likely they are already affected by ash dieback or that they will be affected soon.
You're not required by law to remove ash trees affected by ash dieback, unless they pose a risk to others. As a landowner, you may be held responsible if your trees fall and cause damage or injury.
Getting your trees inspected and taking action
Depending on the size of your property or land, the number of trees and how close they are to roads and footpaths, you are advised to have your trees inspected by an expert.
The Arboriculture Association gives advice on choosing a professional to carry out this work. You should follow their advice and keep records of any inspections and work completed.
If you're advised to prune or remove a tree, you should check whether the tree is:
- subject to a tree preservation order
- part of a conservation area
- subject to a felling licence
Find out more about managing ash dieback in England if you own or manage ash trees.
You can also email development.management@bristol.gov.uk for more information.