Tree diseases pose a significant risk to your forestry investment, and left improperly managed this risk is intensified.
Two of the diseases present the most significant risk to the biodiversity and financial viability of the UK’s woodlands – Phytophthora and Ash Dieback. The impact of these diseases could have a devastating impact for the natural environment.
In the case of Phytophthora, a microscopic fungal-like organism, which is spread up to 4 miles by wind-blown droplets in the rain. Phytophthora can affect a variety of tree species but is most prominent amongst Larch. If a case of Phytophthora is identified a final notice will be issued for the immediate felling of all Larch. This resulted in the loss of almost all of the UK’s Larch, amounting to approximately 154,000 hectares.
Similarly, Hymenoscyphus Fraxineus, or Ash Dieback, infects nearby Ash trees through the spread of infected spores in the wind and is forecasted to kill around 80% of the UK’s Ash trees. DEFRA estimated that the cost of managing these two diseases alone would cost the UK nearly £40 million.
Financial support is available, in the form of Woodland Health Grants for the costs associated with felling diseased trees, as well as support with the cost of their replantation protection and ongoing management.
For support navigating grant availability please get in touch.
If you think you have spotted signs of this disease, report it to the plant health authorities by visiting TreeAlert.
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