Ash dieback is a fungal disease that originated in Asia. In the last few decades, it has swept through the UK. The disease has wreaked havoc on European Ash trees, which have never evolved any resistance to the invasive fungi. Ash is one of just 32 trees native to the UK and the third most common tree in our woodlands.

When do I need to get in touch with ash dieback experts?

Some of the most typical signs of ash dieback infection are dark, diamond-shaped legions in the bark. You might also see leaves becoming black and wilted and spot brown stalks and shoots in the summer.

In mature trees, you might spot dieback of twigs and shoots mostly in the crown. Healthy trees may be able to recover, but repeated infections can do long-term damage. Our expert tree surgeons can help you to confirm whether your ash trees have been infected and can get rid of any infected portions of the tree.

Ash dieback experts in the South Downs area

Ash dieback was first formally identified in the UK in 2012. However, experts estimate that it was present for several years before this. The initial infections were in the South-East of England, although it is apparent that the disease has now spread across the country. Many trees in the South Downs area have been infected and killed by ash dieback. As local experts, we can help you to identify and treat trees. We can provide quick treatment to minimise the risk of the disease spreading.

From the late summer through to the early autumn (generally between July and October), the fungus enters a different stage of its life cycle. It starts to live in the warm, damp piles of leaf litter. You might spot this appearing as small white fruiting bodies on any blackened leaves.

We can carry out preventative measures by collecting and appropriately destroying this leaf litter. This disrupts the lifecycle of the fungus and can help prevent it from reaching other vulnerable trees in the area. It can also help stop the same trees from being re-infected.