Tree disease plan in place in Rotherham

ADB is a disease which attacks and destabilises the structure of trees.

The Council’s tree service has found 82 trees across the Borough that need to be removed as aresult of ADB, including 15 trees in Clifton Park.

Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Cleaner, Greener Communities, Cllr Sarah Allen, said: “Ash dieback disease is a nationwide threat to the survival of our native ash trees. Over the last few years, many councils across the UK have become aware that their ash trees have been infected by this horrible disease and have taken actions to remove the dangers.

“Plans to fell trees which have become infected is not a decision the Council has taken lightly. We are expecting that many of our ash trees will be affected by the disease which is a very sad and worrying statistic. I know that many residents will be upset to see many beloved trees cut down but the safety of members of the public is our number one priority.”

The Council will be looking to replace any trees that are removed as it looks to continue tackling climate change in the community.

Ash dieback disease spread from the continent to the South of England and is making its way north. Fungus spores can blow tens of miles away, where it lands on leaves, stick to them and then penetrates the leaf and beyond. The fungus then grows inside the tree, eventually blocking its water transport system, causing it to die.

It is estimated that ADB will lead to the death of between 75-90 per cent of the country’s ash tree population.

In the coming years, all wards in Rotherham will be affected by ADB and it will result in large amounts of ash tree removals.