'Destructive disease' is affecting ash trees in Oldham

Oldham Council say it is taking action to stop 'a destructive disease' that is affecting ash trees across the borough.

Ash dieback infects and kills trees - increasing the danger of them falling, especially in high winds.

The disease spreads by wind-blown spores or by trees growing too close to infected ash trees. It attacks ash trees quickly and there is currently no prevention or treatment available.

The council say it needs to cut down more infected trees which cannot be saved in order to maintain safety and prevent injury or property damage. 

Councillor Barbara Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Culture, said: “Cutting down any tree is a huge loss to our biodiversity and landscape, but unfortunately this is something we must do to stop more trees from dying and becoming potentially dangerous.

“We won’t be chopping down healthy trees. We are doing as much as we can to stop this disease, saving as many trees as we can and undertaking a programme of tree planting.

“Many ash trees are privately owned, and landowners need to be aware and have them checked regularly for infection and condition. They have a duty of care to ensure that their trees are safe and do not pose a risk to the highway or any members of the public or property.”

Ash tree on Queens Road, Oldham, being cut down due to Ash dieback disease.

The council say it has already removed nearly 200 trees that have died from the disease, which has been in Oldham since 2017.

There are at least 60,000 ash trees in Oldham, more than half of which are within council ownership.

It is estimated that at least 90 per cent of these trees could succumb to the disease over the next 10-15 years and as such will eventually require removing and replacing.

The council say it has already started an extensive tree replanting programme at sites across the borough, working with organisations such as City of Trees, and volunteers. In the last few years, 1,850 have been planted.

Seven hectares of new woodland has been created at sites such as Snipe Clough, Warwick Road Open Space, Plumpton Clough and Crompton Moor.

More than 650 trees have also been planted in the borough's parks, cemeteries, open spaces and highway verges.

Possible cases of ash dieback disease can be reported to the council’s Arboricultural service by calling 0161 770 4067 or emailing environmental.services@oldham.gov.uk