A draft action plan to address the spread of Chalara die-back of ash in Scotland will shortly be completed, ahead of the summer months when the disease becomes active.

Over recent months, organisations from the forestry, environmental and land-based sectors have been working together to produce an action plan to tackle this and a range of other tree health issues facing Scotland.

Whilst the view is that it will not be possible to eradicate the disease, the hope is that by using a range of measures, the impact will be lessened and, in lower risk areas such as the north and west of Scotland, to delay the onset of infection by removing diseased young trees before they start to have a wider effect on the tree population.

Other diseases included in the action plan includes Phytophthora ramorum (in larch) and Dothistroma needle blight (in pine).

Chalara
The latest advice from the Forestry Commission regarding Chalara infection emphasises the importance of recognition and subsequent monitoring) of the disease - rather than wholesale felling of trees. This is a service that Bowlts is able to offer to forestry owners and managers.
Phytophthora ramorum
The majority of Larch in North and West Scotland is European and Hybrid larch which is more resistant to Phytophora. Bowlts would however recommend regular thinning to reduce the inoculum level by reducing the breeding conditions for the virus.
Dothistroma
Dothistroma is prevalent throughout the North particularly in Lodge pole pine and Corsican pine. Early felling is the recommended option and once again, Bowlts is able to advise on felling options. Dothistroma can be managed in Scots pine through a thinning regime.

The key to identification of all prevalent tree diseases is early recognition through site inspection and monitoring in the spring and early summer. For further advice and assistance regarding disease and other forestry related matters, please contact the head of our experienced forestry team, Bill Stalker, on 01463 235753 or email enquiries@bowlts.com.