Ash dieback
Ash dieback is a serious disease affecting ash trees which is caused by a fungus called Hymenoscyphus fraxineus (previously called Chalara fraxinea).
The disease causes leaf loss and crown dieback and is usually fatal in younger trees whereas mortality in older trees is more often associated with the combined impact of root pathogens such as the honey fungus (Armillaria mellea). Ash dieback caused widespread damage to ash populations across Europe, and was first discovered in the UK in a Buckinghamshire nursery in February 2012.
Ash dieback is present across Scotland. Management efforts now focus on mitigating safety risks from diseased trees, while allowing for natural regeneration of potentially disease-tolerant or resistant trees wherever possible.
Scottish Forestry chairs the Ash Dieback Risk Group Scotland, bringing together practitioners from local authorities and the forestry, arboriculture, transport, utilities, research and nature conservation sectors to share knowledge, experience and examples of best practice in managing ash dieback. Click here to read more about the latest guidance for custodians of ash trees.
