Fighting Ash dieback in Cardiff

Ash dieback causes leaf loss and crown dieback. Image courtesy of the Forestry Commission ©

The Ash tree disease Chalara dieback has been found in seven newly planted sites across Wales, including Wentwood and Wye Valley areas, North Wales and Carmarthenshire.

Private owners in the Cardiff area are being encouraged to check their Ash trees for the disease which causes leaf loss and crown dieback and report to the Chalara helpline (see sidebar).

How to identify the disease[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sI7hgFZ-4g&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

A Cardiff Council spokesman said, “Inspections have been carried out across a range of Ash trees throughout the city and no symptoms that indicate Ash dieback have been found. The Forestry Commission has also inspected trees in Plymouth Great Woods with no positive identifications.”

The Council is remaining alert and will continue carrying out inspections and liaising with the relevant authorities.

Confirmed findings of the Ash tree disease Chalara dieback (current at 20 November 2012)

If you would like to report a case of Chalara dieback, please check this pictoral guide and then phone the Chalara helpline on 08459 33 55 77 (open 8am – 6pm every day) or email plant.health@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

Did you know?
– The Ash is a native broadleaf tree and is fairly abundant across the UK.
– Britain has about 130,000 hectares of predominantly Ash tree woodland and of that about 19,000 hectares are in Wales.
– The Ash typically grows up to 40m tall and 150 years old.
– The tree thrives in a moist and cool atmosphere typically found on northern and eastern sides of hills.
– The wood from Ash trees is commonly used for making furniture and tool and sport handles including hammers, axes, spades, hockey sticks and oars.
– Old uses for the wood included skis, tent pegs, horse drawn coach and cart building and agricultural utensils.
– Read more about the Ash tree.

Ash trees, Cardiff Council, Chalara dieback, Forestry Commission