Ash dieback, sometimes known as ‘Chalara’, affects ash trees and is caused by a fungal pathogen – Hymenoscyphus fraxineus (Chalara fraxinea),

The fungus arrived from Asia into Europe during the 1990’s and has spread rapidly. Although the first official record in Britain was only as recently as 2012, anecdotal evidence now suggests it may have arrived here over a decade earlier.

The fungus causes a range of symptoms from leaf and branch dieback to death of ash trees. Once infected, a high proportion of trees will die. A few ash trees may survive the infection because of genetic factors which give them tolerance of, or resistance to, the disease but the percentage of the UK’s ash trees that are likely to be resistant to the fungus is currently unknown.

The rate of decline of any individual tree varies with age, young trees dying quickly and mature trees declining more slowly.

Stubbington Tree Care are offering advice to ash tree owners and free quotations for any necessary works in the interest of tree safety. The nature of the disease causes the tree to lose its water content making the wood brittle, which can have implications for the tree and those arborists who work on them. If you have concerns regarding your ash tree, please feel free to contact us. Alternatively, you can seek advice from Fareham Borough Council’s Tree Team on 01329 824442 / trees@fareham.gov.uk 

Your tree may be protected so it is important to check with the Council first.