If you’re thinking about hiring an arborist for tree removal services, perhaps you’re worried the plant has become diseased, which is a growing problem facing many UK trees. However, it’s important to establish if this is the case, or you may end up felling a tree that can be saved and preserved.
Here’s everything you need to know to help you make smart decisions about the health of your trees.
What do diseased trees look like?
According to the Woodland Trust, some of the most common types of tree disease in the UK include ash dieback, acute oak decline and sweet chestnut blight, among many others. Identifying a diseased tree often takes expert knowledge and insight, but there are some key things to look out for.
This includes unusual changes and unexpected activity, such as the dieback of shoots and leaves in the summer, crown thinning and discolouration, lesions developing where branches meet the trunk, stem bleeding (weeping patches), rust coloured sap, swelling and welts on the bark.
What are tree pests?
Weakened trees could also succumb to pests such as certain beetle varieties, so you may see large exit holes, damaged leaves where they’ve fed on the foliage and sawdust waste caused by tunnelling at the base of the tree.
You can find more information about tree diseases and pests on the Government website here.
How can you prevent tree disease?
One of the best ways to prevent tree disease is to stay on top of their health and maintenance throughout the year. Early warning of tree pests and diseases breaking out will help stop the spread. The affected plants can sometimes be treated with fungicides and by pruning the dying branches.
If you spot anything unusual with your trees, don’t hesitate to call an expert tree surgeon or arborist to take a closer look. You can also report a potential tree health issue to Forest Research.
What if the tree has a TPO?
If a tree has a TPO (tree preservation order), local authority consent may be required to work on the tree, although tackling serious plant disease often comes under an exemption. Identification is key to ensure the permissions required are obtained quickly.
Ask a tree surgeon to take a closer look
It can be really challenging trying to identify whether your trees have pests present or may have developed a disease. It’s vital to stop the spread, so if you have any doubts, contact your local tree surgeon for support and advice as soon as you can.
Need tree removal services? Get in touch
For expert tree solutions, get in touch with DH Tree Services. We’re experienced in all aspects of tree care and maintenance, including felling services and tree disease advice. We operate across South West London and Surrey locations, such as Sutton and Walton on the Hill.
To get in touch, call now on 01737 215 718 or 07872 615 504, or send a message to [email protected].
