Alert over Ash Die Back disease (From Dorset Echo)

Alert over Ash Die Back disease

3:00pm Wednesday 20th March 2013 in News

A COUNCIL is helping residents to understand a disease affecting trees.

Purbeck District Council has published an advice leaflet about Ash Die Back. The disease has not been found in the area but there are a number of ash trees and the council wants people to familiarise themselves with the symptoms of the fungus.

Ash trees have been affected in an increasing number of areas in the country and there has already been an extensive loss of ash trees in parts of mainland Europe.

The disease is caused by the fungus chalara fraxinea. It is characterised by the premature loss of leaves from the outer parts of the crown (top and sides), accompanied by long diamond-shaped lesions or areas of sunken and discoloured bark on twigs.

If anyone believes they have detected the disease on ash trees they are advised to contact the owner of the tree concerned (if known) and the National Ash Dieback Disease helpline on 08459 335577 (8am to 6pm daily). Alternatively, email plant.health@ forestry.gsi.gov.uk