Public urged to report sightings of tree disease

RESIDENTS in South Gloucestershire Council are being urged to report sightings of the fungal disease which is killing ash trees, in order to try to prevent it spreading further.

Ash die-back started in Europe but has spread to Britain, already killing thousands of trees.

Symptoms include leaf death, with dead leaves typically hanging on the tree. This is followed by death of the tree's branches.

Council officers are urging people to report suspected sightings and to help monitor the spread of the disease.

Residents are also being advised to make sure that leaves from affected trees are burnt on site, to destroy the deadly spores.

Detailed advice on identifying cases of Ash die back is provided on the council's website at www.southglos.gov.uk/ashdieback.

Trees on private land are the responsibility of the landowner, and the council website includes advice on choosing a tree surgeon for people who may need to deal with affected trees.

Environmental services manager Jonathan Munslow said: "As a largely rural area South Gloucestershire has many Ash trees and it's vital that we monitor and deal with the disease where it occurs.

"We want people to let us know where they see the disease and also to take care when disposing of leaves from affected trees. Detailed advice on identifying the disease is provided on our web site. It's important to remember that ash trees are among the latest to leaf in the spring, so people should look carefully for tell-tale signs of the disease."

Members of the public can report suspected sightings of the disease by phoning 01454 868000 or emailing the team at streetcare@southglos.gov.uk.

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