What to do if your ash tree looks infected

All of the visual symptoms of the disease can also be associated with other plant health problems. You should firstly try and establish whether the symptoms you can see are being caused by Chalara ash dieback. Using the identification guides cited above have a close look at your trees and see if the symptoms are consistent with those of Chalara ash dieback; just because your trees do not have a full, healthy crown does not mean that they are infected with this disease.

Don’t worry if you’re not sure. The disease can be difficult to diagnose, particularly in mature trees. It is possible that there could be a complex interaction of biotic and abiotic factors which are causing the symptoms you’re observing. Note also, that there is difference between dormant and dead twigs; ash has a natural cycle of reduced vitality following previous growing seasons which produced a high volume of seed.

The size, age and vitality of the tree will affect the rate of decline. The Department’s tree officers do not provide safety advice or risk assessments and are not available to provide general advice or confirm a diagnosis in individual cases. If you are worried about the condition of the tree, you should contact a professional arborist for advice. View our list of accredited contractors.

The image next to this section is a guide to assessing the extent of canopy dieback.