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Don’t Buy in Disease When Replacing Gale Damaged Trees - SAC Consultant Warns Tree Diseases Could be Worse Than Winds

SAC News Release Ref. No: 11N66
Published: 01 Jun 2011

Tree sapling (opens in new window)

Anyone replacing trees damaged or destroyed in the recent gales should take care, according to SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Tree Consultant Matthew Cooper. A number of dangerous disease are worrying arboriculturalists at present, including those linked to a fungus with a Greek name meaning “plant destroyer”. Cutting corners when sourcing saplings could spread infection more widely.

SAC’s Consultant Mathew Cooper, has a particular interest in urban tree planting, including gardens and industrial parks. He warns several diseases caused by Phytophthora (pr. Fight off thera), a fungus–like pathogen,  are causing real concern. One, Phytophthora lateralis, was only found in Scotland recently. Should it get a hold it can devastate the Lawson cypress trees used in many evergreen garden hedges and even threatens other species.

“It’s important to get good advice and source your replacements properly”, says Matthew Cooper. “There are excellent gardens centres and tree nurseries in Scotland, use them. Doing anything on the cheap risks spreading a disease which could devastate our urban gardens far more than the wind”.

The Forestry Commission are still investigating how Phytophthora reached Scotland. It was first discovered in November 2010 at Balloch Country Park, on the shores of Loch Lomond and more recently appeared in Greenock cemetery. It kills adult trees and in America caused the collapse of the Lawson cypress nursery industry in California and Oregon. Infected trees show a slightly lighter foliage which later withers and turns a reddish brown colour as the tree dies.

“Hopefully we can slow its progress”, says Matthew. “Anyone seeing suspicious signs elsewhere should contact a consultant, like SAC or the Forestry Commissions Tree Health Diagnostic & Advisory Service at Roslin, outside Edinburgh”.

While Phytophthora may be rare there are two more diseases to watch for. One is a bacteria which attacks Horse Chestnuts and causes bleeding wounds, while another Phytophthora, (P. ramorum) is affecting Viburnums, Rhododendrons and now Larch across the country.    

In addition to diseases Matthew Cooper believes there are other things for tree owners to check  after the recent gales. It is not always realised they have a duty of care to keep their trees reasonably safe (Occupier Liability (Scotland) Act 1960, to check after the recent gales.     

“Firstly weak points in the trees, for example moving root plates, branch forks where the bark looks like it has grown into the fork, bulges, cavities and cracks. These are all weak points that may brake. Also if you see fungal fruiting bodies such as mushrooms on trees these are weakening the wood by decaying it. Get in a professional consultant to have a look.”

Matthew Cooper can be contacted on matthew.cooper@sac.ac.uk or 0131 555 3032, 07803 222368.

For more information and other pests and diseases in Scotland and the rest of the UK visit the Forestry Commission website.

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News Release Issued By

Mr Ken Rundle
Senior Communications Officer
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work SAC, King's Buildings, West Mains Road,
Edinburgh
EH9 3JG
TelWork 0131 535 4196

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