Ash dieback disease
Information and advice about ash dieback disease in South Gloucestershire.
About ash dieback
Ash dieback is a fungal disease causing widespread decline of ash trees across the UK and Europe.
The disease weakens the trees it infects, causing an increased risk of falling branches and failure to thrive. It also means they are more susceptible to other tree diseases which can weaken them further.
There is no cure and very few ash trees are showing signs of long-term resistance. Control of its spread is no longer considered viable.
The symptoms
The most obvious signs that a tree is infected with the disease are:
- dead leaves being held on the tree
- infection spreading from the leaf tip into the stalk
- dieback of the crown so that the ends of branches are visibly dead
What we are doing
Since April 2020 we have removed more than 3,000 trees and have planted more than 25,000 new ones.
Removals
Since 2020 we have been removing trees across South Gloucestershire identified as infected, prioritising those that are within falling distance of A or B roads as well as near schools and in public open spaces.
June to December 2025 we are carrying out removals in Charfield, Frenchay and Stoke Park, Longwell Green, Woodstock and Parkwall.
You can view a map showing the locations of planned ash tree removals.
To date we have carried out removals in 16 wards of our 35 wards. Areas include Dodington, Staple Hill, Downend, Bradley Stoke, Patchway, Thornbury, central Yate, Filton and Oldland Common.
Note: due to the nature of the disease, it is likely we will also carry out some reactive works. Reactive works may not be visible on the map.
Replanting
To reduce the chance of another disease wiping out a large number of our trees we are planting a wide variety of tree types. They are planted with supporting stakes and cages to provide protection in their first two seasons.
Note: It is not always practical or possible to plant a new tree in the exact location of the one removed.
Planting has taken place across 34 out of 35 wards including Kingswood, Staple Hill, Yate, Thornbury and Bradley Stoke.
Surveying work
Trees are increasingly recognised as important for climate resilience and their positive effect on our mental health and welling.
To enable us to protect them, and deal with ash dieback and any future disease threat, we are creating a database of the location, species and condition of every tree on council-owned land.
As a result of the surveys we have carried out so far, we now have an accurate record of 45,000 trees growing on South Gloucestershire Council land including their location and condition.
Advice for landowners
You should check if you have any ash trees on your property. The Woodland Trust provides information on how to do this.
If you have ash trees, establish their condition. You can find photographs of the symptoms to help you identify the disease on the Forest Research website.
If you have ash trees that are close to roads and footpaths you may wish to have them inspected by an expert. The Arboriculture Association gives advice on choosing one. You should follow their advice and keep records of any inspections and works completed.
You are not required by law to remove ash trees affected by ash dieback unless they pose a risk to others. However as the landowner you may be held responsible if your trees fall and cause damage or injury.
GOV.UK has further guidance for land and tree owners about managing ash dieback.