What ash dieback is, what we're doing about ash trees in our parks and streets, our tree planting plans, and what you need to do if you have ash trees on your land.
What is ash dieback
Ash dieback is:
- a fungal disease affecting common ash trees
- causing widespread decline of ash trees across the UK and Europe
- spread from fungal spores carried by the wind, so very little can be done to prevent further spread
Most of the UK is experiencing ash dieback, including Bristol. The disease was first noted here in 2014, and it has become widespread in the south west.
Infected trees can become weaker and there is an increased risk of falling branches or trees.
Other tree diseases can also take hold and speed up their decline.
What we're doing about ash dieback
We've carried out an extensive audit of ash trees on our land, to understand:
- where ash trees are growing
- to what degree ash trees are affected by ash dieback
- the rate of decline
The audit showed that generally all our woodland areas contain ash trees. In in some areas, ash is the dominant species.
There are around 2,000 more ash trees across our parks, green spaces, and lining our streets and highway verges.
Programme of works
A programme of works is now underway to remove ash trees infected with ash dieback, together with a dedicated tree planting programme to increase the city’s tree canopy cover.
The trees that will be removed are likely to become unsafe over time for public protection.
When and how the work will happen
Most of the tree work will take place in winter. This helps us avoid the bird nesting season and reduces the impact on local wildlife.
We've planned the work with advice from council ecologists. Natural England has agreed to the approach, and the Forestry Commission will license the work.
What happens to the trees
Professional contractors will cut down the trees. Where possible, they'll turn the wood into woodchip to use as biofuel for public buildings.
If there's space, we'll leave some of the timber behind as deadwood. This creates habitats for wildlife. We'll also leave timber in places where it's hard or costly to remove.
We don't allow anyone to take away the felled wood.
How we will inform residents
We'll contact residents affected by the work before it starts. We'll also put up signs in places like parks to show where work is happening.
Work locations 2025
The programme work locations are:
- October: Badock's Wood
- November: Stoke Bishop
Advice for landowners
You should check if you have any ash trees on your land. Check advice from the Woodland Trust to identify ash trees.
If you've ash trees on your land, it's likely they are already affected by ash dieback or that they will be affected soon.
You're not required by law to remove ash trees affected by ash dieback, unless they pose a risk to others. As a landowner, you may be held responsible if your trees fall and cause damage or injury.
Getting your trees inspected and taking action
We advise you to have your trees inspected by an expert.
Depending on the size of your property or land, the number of trees and how close they are to roads and footpaths, you are advised to have your trees inspected by an expert.
The Arboriculture Association gives advice on choosing a professional to carry out this work. You should follow their advice and keep records of any inspections and work completed.
If you're advised to prune or remove a tree, you should check whether the tree is:
- subject to a tree preservation order
- part of a conservation area
- subject to a felling licence
Find out more about managing ash dieback in England if you own or manage ash trees.
You can also email development.management@bristol.gov.uk for more information.