Ash Dieback in Tameside

Ash dieback is a fungal disease that is affecting ash trees across the UK and Europe. It is thought to have arrived in the UK around 20 years ago from fungal spores carried by wind from the continent and from infected tree planting stock imported from mainland Europe. The fungus (known as Chlalara or Hymenoscyphus fraxineus) is thought to have originated in Asia and has caused widespread damage across mainland Europe where up to 90% of ash trees have been killed by the disease in some areas.
The disease is having a serious impact on Ash trees within Tameside. The disease causes progressive death of the tree’s branches but can also encourage secondary infections of Honey Fungus to attack the ash trees at their base and roots. Unfortunately this has affected the structural integrity of a significant number of trees, creating health and safety risks, as trees become brittle, losing limbs and in more severe cases, causing the tree to fall.
As a consequence, the Council are now inspecting Ash trees across the Borough and as a result it will lead to a significant number of trees being felled. Tree planting will follow in due course to replace felled trees where possible.
 
 

Ash Trees in Private Ownership

Some of our larger Ash trees are contained within the garden areas of residential properties. Household owners, or those responsible for the trees, will have to manage these. Where trees are subject to statutory legislation, such as tree preservation orders or within a conservation area, the normal processes still apply in relation to applying to work on trees. An appropriately qualified person should be employed to correctly identify the disease and make the necessary recommendations for the tree. Further information can be found at Ash Dieback: A Guide for Tree Owners - The Tree Council
 
 

Replacement planting

There will be numerous opportunities for replanting and we are currently looking into the most suitable species to replace the Ash with. The species used is likely to be diverse which will increase resilience within the tree stock and promote greater biodiversity.
Although taking a long time to reach the mature heights of some of the Ash that will inevitably be removed, the replacement trees will provide significant future amenity and biodiversity within Tameside, for future generations to enjoy.