'Perfect time to look': Leeds landowners urged to inspect trees for signs of ash dieback
’Now is the perfect time to look for signs’ 🌳
Leeds City Council has urged landowners to check whether they have any diseased ash trees, as thousands on private and public land have been identified as needing removal due to safety concerns.
The trees are infected with ash dieback or are showing other defects which could pose a risk to the public if they collapse onto roads, causing disruption and potential injury.
It is the authority’s duty to ensure no trees under its control put people or property at unreasonable risk, while private landowners are responsible for trees on their own land.
Last year, the council launched an interactive map showing ash trees located near main highways and their current condition, helping to inform landowners if trees on their property need attention.
Surveys to update the map will begin again this month, with more trees set to be added continuously.
“Our teams have worked very hard to identify thousands of trees near to highways that are currently in need of felling,” said the authority’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, Mohammed Rafique.
“Just like the council has a responsibility to manage trees on our land, we want to remind residents that landowners have that same responsibility on theirs.
“With ash trees being in full leaf from May it is the perfect time to look for signs of ash dieback on your land.”
Ash tree leaves generally begin to emerge in April, with trees typically remaining in full leaf from May until September, making this the prime time to look for signs of disease.
Leeds City Council has removed nearly 3,000 trees on its land so far, with close to 4,000 planted in their place this past winter. With more planting planned for next winter, the council aims to plant five trees for every one removed on its land.
Ash dieback is a fungal disease that blocks water and nutrient transport, causing trees to weaken rapidly. This can leave them brittle and more susceptible to other infections.