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Tree preservation

Ash dieback disease

We have developed an Ash Dieback Action Plan for trees that we own and manage - including trees related to public highways, public rights of way, public open space, commons and council property.

Our plan is based on the national Ash Dieback Action Plan Toolkit produced by The Tree Council in partnership with DEFRA.

Why we need an ash dieback plan

Ash is the third most common tree in Britain and there are up to 60 million ash trees outside woodlands in the UK. 

Ash dieback was first officially recorded in the UK in 2012, with only a small fraction of trees proving resistant and others showing various levels of resilience. Ash dieback disease is caused by the fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, formerly known as Chalara fraxinea.

In Herefordshire, over 6,500 hectares of broad-leaved woodland contains ash, it also makes up 17% of all roadside trees and is found in most areas of public open space.

An ash tree in full leaf with ash dieback

Current research indicates between 1% and 5% of the ash population may have a genetic tolerance to ash dieback, meaning they can survive and reproduce to eventually create the next generation of ash trees. Even so, the loss of so many ash would have a major impact on the county's landscape, the wildlife it supports and other ecosystem services that trees provide such as:

  • Filtering the air
  • Storing carbon
  • Reducing flooding
  • Providing shade
  • Protecting soils

The common consensus is that pre-emptive felling should be strongly discouraged and that infected trees should be felled only once they are clearly in serious decline, pose an imminent danger to people or property, or where significant timber value is likely to be lost through infection.

Symptoms of ash dieback

Ash dieback can affect ash trees of all ages. Younger trees may succumb to the disease quicker but in general, all affected trees will have these symptoms:

  • Leaves develop dark patches in the summer
  • They then wilt and discolour to black. Leaves might shed early
  • Dieback of the shoots and leaves is visible in the summer as the canopy thins
  • Lesions develop where branches meet the trunk. These are often diamond-shaped and dark brown
  • New growth from previously dormant buds further down the trunk leading to a pom-pom appearance. This is known as epicormic growth and is a common response to stress in trees

The Forestry Research guide to ash dieback includes a detailed symptoms guide.

The Forestry Commission have also produced this video on how to spot the signs and symptoms of ash dieback.

Replanting trees

The recovery of lost trees and woodlands due to ash dieback is very important to maintain the county's tree canopy cover currently above national targets at 19%. We strongly encourage tree and woodland owners to undertake replanting or manage natural regeneration.

We will identify our own tree replacement scheme as part of our ash dieback action plan.

Tree planting and ash dieback recovery also form part of the developing nature recovery strategy, and the planned Herefordshire tree and hedgerow strategy, that we are currently helping to facilitate.

Information for tree owners (trees outside woodlands)

If you are a tree owner, you have a legal duty of care and you must maintain your trees in a reasonably safe condition. Herefordshire Council are only responsible for trees growing on council property, including adopted highway verges. In almost all cases, trees that are next to roads and public rights of way are the responsibility of the neighbouring landowner.

Where a tree on private land poses a danger to the highway users, we may contact the landowner and explain what work needs to be done and when it should be completed by. The tree owner is responsible for the cost of this work.

For most landowners, the first step will be to contact a tree surgeon. They will be able to provide quotes for the work required and advise on what traffic management will be needed while the work is carried out. The Arboricultural Association has an approved contractor and consultant directory. Check the standing advice for protected species before any work starts.

The Tree Council has produced guidance for homeowners and those with ash trees on their land. The guide helps tree owners to address any safety risks posed by ash dieback while helping to reduce the ecological impact of the disease.

Linking Environment and Farming and (LEAF) have produced a practical manual on managing ash dieback for rural landowners: A Farmer's Guide to Ash Dieback.

Information for woodland owners

The Forestry Commission have produced a range of guidance for owners of woodlands and grants may be available to help with managing woodlands and restocking woodlands affected by ash dieback.

Guidance and advice on ash dieback in woodlands is also available through the Woodland Trust.

Natural England have also produced some specific advice for owners of Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs), trees in conservation areas and felling licences

To check whether the tree or trees requiring work are subject to a TPO, or in a conservation area please use the administrative map.

Under the Forestry Act 1967 as amended, a licence is required to fell most trees. Details of how to apply for a licence, and any exemptions which may apply, are outlined in the Tree felling - getting permission document, available on GOV.UK.

Tree works, traffic management and road closures

If you need to close a road or install a temporary traffic regulation, such as a lower speed limit to manage traffic while work is being carried out on a tree, you will need to apply for a temporary Traffic Regulation Order. Works involving traffic lights, diversions and longer closures will need to apply for a full Traffic Regulation Order.

Tree works and public rights of way

If works are required near to, or on public rights of way, please contact the public rights of way team at the earliest possible stage to discuss your proposals. These paths are public highways as much as public roads and you have a duty to keep them open for safe and convenient use until such time as a formal closure is agreed with Herefordshire Council. If path closures are required you will need to apply for a temporary closure notice.

Further information