News
Ash die-back disease in Carlton (26-10-21)A recent survey of roadside ash trees in Carlton has shown that ash die-back disease is spreading through the Parish, with more than half now infected. The signs to look out for are thinning of the leaf canopy, and absence of leaves at the ends of the branches. As the disease progresses, branches will die back and this season's leaves will turn brown and die, looking as if they have been killed by frost. Severely infected trees look like those illustrated below.
Trees vary in their susceptibility to this disease: very young trees can be killed in one season, larger trees may survive for three or more, while mature trees may survive for longer. Some trees can resist the disease and recover, so it is important not to fell trees at the first sign of infection. The disease does make ash trees more susceptible to other fungi, which can give rise to heart rot. Danger signs to look out for are bracket fungi near the base of the trunk or on large branches, and weeping sap. Landowners with severely infected ash trees near to roads are advised to monitor their trees and seek professional advice.
The Leicestershire County Council website has an advice page with links to up to date information sources.
Leicestershire County Council is also operating a scheme offering landowners up to 15 free container-grown trees for planting in the countryside (not gardens) to compensate for the loss of ash trees and to increase biodiversity. There are additional schemes supporting the planting of hedgerows and small woods .