Tree Management Policy 2025 - Pests and diseases

The global movement of plants and climate change has caused a substantial rise of pests and diseases in the UK. Since the spread of Dutch elm disease in 1971, there are about 24 additional pests and diseases that affect trees. All of these, to a greater or lesser degree, impact the safe management of many tree species. 

Government departments such as Defra and the Forestry Commission, and other organisations such as the Woodland Trust and the Arboricultural Association, constantly monitor, provide and update advice and guidance for good practice management which can change over time. A suitably qualified and experienced officer of the Council will monitor this information and adjust the Council’s tree management practices where necessary.