Welcome to the Report A Tree Page
Together, we can combat ash dieback through harnessing the natural genetic diversity within ash. By bringing together trees showing high levels of tolerance we can start a new breeding programme for ash to ensure it remains a viable option for forestry and the wider environment.
We want to hear from you if you have a tolerant ash tree specifically within a woodland setting.
Dr Jo Clark, Head of Research at Future Trees Trust in this video funded by DEFRA explains the process for landowners and woodland owners to identify tolerant ash trees within a woodland setting:
How to identify an ash tree tolerant to ash dieback disease?
Evidence from Europe, where the disease has been present longer, indicates that about 1% of all ash trees show a high degree of tolerance to ash dieback. These trees show minimal crown dieback (less than 10%), and it is these trees that we are keen to learn about. We are particularly interested in healthy trees that are located within woodlands, surrounded by other ash trees that are showing a high degree of dieback.
The easiest time to do this is during the summer months, when it is possible to make as assessment on crown health. Trees showing up to 25% crown dieback are also of interest. The following images are reproduced from the Forest Research’ publication: ‘Diseases and disorders of forest trees: a guide to identifying causes of ill health in woods and plantations.’
The Living Ash Project ends in 2024. We will be making site visits summer 2023, and grafting tolerant trees in December 2023. This page is still active, and records will be collated for future research purposes, but we will be unable to visit any more trees and you will not receive a response. Thank you for reporting your trees.