Ash dieback

As with many councils, we have confirmed cases of ash dieback within Reading borough.

To manage risk, when it is identified we act quickly to remove the infected trees that cause a risk to the public whilst retaining those it is safe to do so.

Here’s everything you need to know about ash dieback…

What is ash dieback?

Ash dieback is a fungal disease that has significantly affected ash trees across the UK, including in Reading. The disease was first identified in England in 2012, although research has shown that it is likely to have been present since at least 2005. 

How ash dieback spreads

The fungus produces spores that can be carried by wind or rain, allowing it to spread to healthy trees over considerable distances. Human activities, such as the movement of infected timber or plants, can also contribute to the spread of the disease.

The fungus enters the tree primarily through the leaves and young shoots. It can also infect through wounds or damaged areas on the tree. Once the fungus is inside the tree, it spreads through the vascular system, which is responsible for transporting water and nutrients.

How ash dieback affects trees

Trees infected with ash dieback will die within a few years. There is no treatment that can be given to help cure the tree of the disease. As it progresses, the tree’s overall health deteriorates, leading to reduced growth, yellowing leaves, premature leaf loss and a general decline in vitality. The tips of young branches may die back, which means they stop growing and can eventually die.

How does Reading Borough Council manage ash dieback?

Reading Borough Council assesses each tree individually. Before any tree is felled, a qualified arborist will carry out a thorough assessment of the tree’s condition, taking into account:

• signs of infection (including crown dieback, blackened lesions on bark, and early leaf loss)
• structural integrity (e.g., presence of dead branches, brittleness)
• proximity to infrastructure, roads, and areas with high pedestrian traffic

What is the felling procedure?

When felling is required, the council will notify local residents and relevant stakeholders at least 10 working days in advance, outlining the reason for the felling and the expected timeline. Signs will be installed around larger sites. Qualified tree surgeons will carry out the work, with disturbance kept to a minimum.

Felling will normally be scheduled during the autumn or winter months when the trees are dormant, to minimise disruption to wildlife and surrounding vegetation. However, if necessary immediate and critical remedial action may be taken outside of those times, even during bird-nesting season if necessary, and carried out with specific professional ecologist guidance in regard to each individual tree.

What about animals who use the trees as habitats?

The council works closely with ecologists and bat societies to ensure affected trees are inspected in advance of any work starting. If nesting birds or bat roosts are discovered, the dead tree stem will be left as a habitat where safe to do so.

What will the council do to ensure this doesn’t lead to an overall loss of tree canopies?

Sadly, for some period of time, overall canopy cover will be affected by the loss of large trees. However a regeneration and replacement programme is in place. This programme takes into consideration which method is most appropriate to the given situation of each tree that must be felled. This may include natural regeneration, the planting of whips and/or mature tree replacement with a range of other species such as oaks, hazels, birches and beeches. The manner of dealing with ash dieback in Reading will run alongside the council’s tree planting programme which will continue to add at least 300 new trees to Reading’s stock each year through its tree strategy commitment to increase canopy cover for Reading.