It has been reported that there are a total of about two billion ash trees planted all across the UK. Despite being in abundance, the trees have indulged in a rapidly growing epidemic called “ash dieback.” Typically known as chalara ash dieback, it is a fungal disease of ash trees caused by Hymenoscyphus fraxineus.

According to the reports published, the disease made its way to England from the commercial trading of ash-based products from East Asia. Although the first case of ash dieback occurred in Poland during the late ’90s, it invaded England in 2012. Since then, the disease has taken the majority of England’s ash trees in its vortex, including the saplings of the same genus.

Even though the issue is as grave as talking about one’s deteriorating health, it is often overlooked by many. As human life is dependent on plant life, it is imperative to draw attention to this escalating trouble. It is because ash dieback affects ash trees in the worst possible ways. It weakens the structure of the tree by causing bark lesions and excessive loss of leaves. Thus, making the tree vulnerable to numerous pathogens and pests such as Armillaria species (honey fungus).

So here are some signs and symptoms that can help you figure out whether the tree has ash dieback or not:

• The most apparent sign of ash dieback is the darkening of tendrils or shoots. The plantlets growing on them get dried up due to insufficient water.
• The fungus exhibits its damaging effects by targeting the tree’s vascular system. Thus, restricting the tree’s transport of food and water. As a result, the tree is deprived of its nourishment causing the aerial parts to desiccate. It not only shrivels the leaves but also turns the veins and stalks brown.
• Dark-coloured lesions have an elongated and spindle-like shape may develop on the barks of an infected ash tree. They usually appear at a region closer to the damaged tendrils and may spread towards the trunk’s base.

As the disease progresses, it causes intense leaf abscission making it a lifeless and brittle structure.

Ash dieback is spreading at a rapid rate via the contact of infected spores with the healthy ash trees. There are several mediums through which the spores can be transmitted, for instance, wind and rainfall. Ash trees are the third most common trees occupying most of England’s land. They can be commonly seen at parks or schools therefore appropriate measures must be taken to control the spread of this epidemic

Holroyd Tree and Garden Services is a tree management company having over 15 years of experience in this area. Their skilled and well-trained team of tree surgeons recommends the best ways to counter the spread of ash dieback. If you want any consultancy regarding these matters immediately, call Holroyd Tree and Garden Services.