Planting new trees to replace those lost to ash dieback

Published: 11 October 2024

Sixty-five trees are set to be planted across Exeter during the winter months.

The trees will be planted in 11 of the city’s 13 wards and will help replace trees which have died or are having to be felled due to ash dieback disease.

Six semi-mature ash trees in Ludwell Valley Park will have to be felled over coming weeks due to the disease. Others will need to come down in Eastern Fields and Riverside Valley Park.

Cllr Ruth Williams, Lead Councillor for City Management, said: “We never want to bring trees down unnecessarily but if trees have succumbed to ash dieback and present a danger to public safety or property such as nearby houses, we have no other option.”

The Council’s tree team has completed all of its ash dieback inspections for this year.

“We are still totting up the data but from first glances we think this year we have had to remove a few more mature ash trees than in previous years,” said Cllr Williams, “Although compared to the surrounding countryside we are fortunately seeing quite a resilient ash tree stock within the city.”

The Council assesses all of its ash trees on their risk to people and property. If an ash tree is in decline but has no significant target it can be left for the biodiversity benefits. However, trees considered to be an intolerable risk to people or property are removed, in line with the Council’s ash dieback policy and national strategies.

“Where we are removing ash trees we are considering the suitability of the sites for replanting with suitable species. In some woodland areas such as Ludwell Valley Park the natural regeneration is strong enough to be able to leave to restock itself successfully,” added Cllr Williams.

The City Council is also working in close collaboration with Devon Wildlife Trust to help mitigate loss of ash trees in and around the city and has helped with numerous planting initiatives.