Ash Dieback Warning Signs

 

Ash Dieback Warning Signs, you may of heard of the fatal disease which is Ash dieback (fatal for ash trees that is!). But how are we supposed to know whether or not an Ash tree is plagued by this disease? Fortunately there are several clear warning signs that can elucidate whether or not the tree in question has this ailment.

Early Warning Signs

At first there are not very many symptoms, so you will have to have sharp vision to be able to see them. However to start with the tree will begin to develop small necrotic spots that will appear all over the tree. Meaning that small very dark patches will begin to develop – these patches will very clearly be of dead tissue.

 

Ash Dieback Warning Signs

Intermediate Warning Signs

Now you’re going to start to see a shedding of leaves at seasonally unusual times. However to be more specific the majority of the lose of folliage will be in the top of the crown of the tree – or in less technical language at the top of the leafy bit! By this point it should be very clear whether or not the tree has Ash Dieback. However this disease has yet more symptoms that will befall the unfortunate ash tree.

Late Signs

One very obvious sign of Ash Dieback is the absence of new buds and flowers. Regretfully this is only going to be something you can see during the spring. So what late stage symptoms are there going to be if you aren’t lucky enough to currently be enjoying the spring? Well there are also going to be epicormic growths emerging from the tree. But what does that mean? It means that there are new shoots pushing through the bark. This is not a good sign and is perhaps the greatest indicator that the tree is on its last legs. It can take a quite a while to reach these final stages, but it does vary. A young ash might get there in a few months while a older ash tree might take a few years.

Ash Dieback Warning Signs

What you can do about Ash Dieback?

Now that you know how to identify the warning signs of Ash Dieback, what do you do next? You should contact the forestry commision to inform them of a potential outbreak. You should also avoid disturbing trees which have these symptoms. Furthermore you should attempt to stop anything which might be contaminated being brought with you, a good way to do this is to check there are no leaves stuck on the side of your car or boots. You should contact a professional Tree Surgeon like us here at Shawyers to get advice and guidance moving forward.