Worcester City Council is continuing its efforts to monitor ash trees across the city for signs of ash dieback.
When infected the fungus can grow inside trees, blocking its access to water and causing the tree to die.
Trees effected by the fungus can be identified between June and September by their leaves developing dark patches or turning black.
The Council manages trees in green spaces and parks across the city to ensure that they are safe and healthy. It implemented an Ash Dieback Strategy last year and 25 per cent of the trees in its parks and green spaces have now been visually inspected.
Of those inspected, seven trees have been identified to require remedial work on safety grounds.
This year, the Council plans to map prominent ash trees and track hotspots of ash dieback to guide further inspections and help manage the disease’s spread.
Councillor Zoe Cookson, Chair of Worcester City Council’s Environment Committee said: “During the last year Council staff have been working hard to carry out visual inspections of ash trees to find out the severity of the ash dieback disease and its progression.
“Only trees which are at high risk of causing damage to the public will be cut back or removed.
“Trees that pose a low risk to public safety will be kept in place and carefully managed, as part of the tree safety works programme.
“If you find a tree which you believe might have Ash Dieback, has fallen or is dangerous then please contact the City Council at www.worcester.gov.uk/report-it”
When it meets on Tuesday 28 January, the City Council’s Environment Committee will be asked to approve making £45,000 available from a ringfenced ash dieback budget to support ongoing assessment and remedial work during the 2025/26 financial year.
