Ash dieback

  1. 1. Ash dieback
  2. 2. Ash dieback works

Ash dieback is an incurable tree disease caused by the fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus. It leads to leaf loss, branch dieback and eventually the death of the tree. 

Ash dieback is now widespread and considered to be the most significant tree disease to affect the UK since Dutch elm disease, which was first recognised in the 1960s. Ash is the third most common native tree and evidence suggests that 80% of the UK’s ash will succumb to the disease.

In Reigate & Banstead, hundreds of infected trees are being monitored or awaiting work at any given time. Many trees will ultimately require removal, especially in high-risk public areas.

Ash dieback and public safety

As the disease progresses, ash trees become week, brittle and unstable. This poses a safety risk to the public – particularly near roads, footpaths, parks, playgrounds and other areas with public access.

We must manage these risks on Council-owned land under our legal Duty of Care.

Management of ash dieback

Our management of ash dieback focuses primarily on public safety and adheres to best practice guidance from the Forestry Commission, the Tree Council and National Tree Safety Group.

Using a national four-class health rating system, we identify and monitor infected trees in order to priorise our ash dieback works. We will:

  • remove the most diseased, dead and dying ash trees where they pose greatest risk to the public, such as close to public footpaths and highways
  • leave trees in low-risk areas to encourage possible natural resistance
  • leave trees that are infected but still relatively healthy to be monitored and potentially pruned to promote healthy tree growth

Ash trees on private land are the responsibility of the landowner and Highway trees are the responsibility of Surrey County Council.

Natural regeneration

We recognise that ash dieback is changing our natural landscape and we aim to manage the long-term recovery and resilience of our woodland through natural regeneration, where possible.

The removal of dead and dying ash trees creates space for the woodland to regenerate naturally. Seeds from a variety of tree species have the opportunity to take root and this new growth also provides a broader age range of trees in the woodland. A more diverse mix of woodland is more likely to resist future pests and diseases.

Removing dead and dying ash trees also helps reduce the risk of forest fires, which is becoming more of a concern due to longer, hotter and drier summers.

Of course, natural regneration wil take many years and will need to be monitored. If it is not happening as expected, we will consider replanting areas with broadleaf species, in line with Forestry Commission guidance.

Further information

How you can help

You can report concerns about dangerous trees on Council managed land

Privately owned trees remain the responsibility of the landowner.

During tree removal works, please avoid closed areas and follow signage.

After tree removal works, please support replanting and biodiversity initiatives.

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