“Difficult decision” – Salford Council to cut down ash trees at risk of disease

Salford Council will cut down several trees across the city in an attempt to stop a fungal disease.

The council says ash dieback “threatens the health and safety of our treasured urban forest” and means infected trees needs to be removed.

Affected trees can pose a risk to public safety, meaning the council has “made the difficult decision to remove infected and potentially infected ash trees from public spaces” in collaboration with local experts.

Councillor Barbara Bentham, Lead Member for Environment, Neighbourhoods, Sports and Leisure, said: “Salford City Council recognises the concerns of citizens who may witness the removal of seemingly healthy ash trees. Strict protocols are in place to identify and assess infected trees, ensuring that any removal is done with utmost care and precision.

The council says it will plant a replacement for each tree removed.

Ash Dieback, is a destructive pathogen that primarily affects ash trees and is caused by the fungus Chalara fraxinea. The council states that threat has been “steadily spreading across the United Kingdom.”

Residents are encouraged to report any signs of Ash Dieback in their local areas to the council using the Report It section of the website, such as leaf discolouration or significant changes in the health of ash trees.

For further information please contact:
Salford City Council Public Relations Department
0161 793 3410
public.relations@salford.gov.uk