Top Tree Diseases and Pests; Symptoms & Treatment - The DTE Academy

 
 

There are a number of diseases and pests that threaten native trees in the UK. The following are some of the most common and most vexing.

Common Pest Affecting UK Trees

The Great Spruce Bark Beetle

The great spruce bark beetle is an invasive species introduced to the UK about 40 years ago. They tunnel into the bark of spruce trees laying eggs and causing damage.

Symptoms

  • Browning foliage in the crown

  • Bark falling away exposing feeding tunnels

  • Powdery debris at the base of the tree

Control & treatment

Depending on the degree of damage, destruction of the infested tree may be the only option.

The Oak Processionary Moth

This pest can be found living and feeding on oak trees. The caterpillars are particularly fond of oak leaves and often consume so many they leave the tree vulnerable.

Symptoms

  • Nest made of silken white webbing

  • Caterpillars navigating the trunk and branches in a procession during spring and summer

  • Extensive damage to leaves

Control & treatment

Approved chemical or bio-pesticides administered by a professional.

Diseases Affecting UK Trees

The following are some of the most common diseases affecting native trees in the UK.

Dutch Elm Disease

Dutch elm disease was introduced to the UK from the USA 60 years ago. The disease is caused by the fungus Ophiostoma novo-ulmi which is spread by the elm bark beetle.

Symptoms

  • Clusters of yellow leaves appear in the summer

  • Shoots dying back from the tip

  • Dark brown staining under twig bark

Control & treatment

There is no cure for Dutch elm disease. It has wiped out millions of trees in Europe and North America. That said, there are steps you can take that may help. Treatment includes removing any infected wood immediately.

Ash Dieback

Imported by accident from Japan Ash dieback has a mortality rate of 80%.

Symptoms

  • Dark patches on leaves

  • Leaves shedding early

  • Dieback of shoots and leaves

Control & treatment

  • Removal of dead wood and branches showing symptoms

  • Cutting the tree to the base and allowing it to regrow

  • Felling the tree

 
 
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