Ash Dieback Disease

Over the next few years, it is expected that between 80-90% of all ash trees in Gwynedd will die as a result of Ash Dieback Disease (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus). 

 

Report a hazardous ash tree

Let us know about any ash tree that has died or is causing a hazard:   

• Contact us: ash dieback disease  

• 01766 771000  

The responsibility of private landowners  

Every landowner has a responsibility to ensure that the condition of any tree does not cause excessive risk to people, or nearby land.  It is the landowner who is accountable for any injury or damage caused by trees from private land.   

Private landowners should familiarise themselves with the disease and, if relevant, a budget should be set aside to manage diseased trees on their lands.  

Gwynedd Council has the right to issue landowners with a notice to prune or cut trees that cause a risk to road users. In addition, the Council has powers to deal with hazardous trees situated on private land - for example on the boundaries of schools, homes for the elderly or along public footpaths.   

Council officers will undertake safety inspections throughout the county over the next few years and if there is a diseased Ash tree on your property it is possible that you will receive a letter to this end. 

If there is an Ash tree on your land, we suggest that you get advice from a tree consultant (accredited with the Arboricultural Association). 

 

Matters to consider before cutting an ash tree 

• Do you need a tree felling licence? 
• Is there a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) in force or is the tree within a conservation area? 
• Is there any impact on wildlife and ecology (e.g. nesting birds and bats)?  
• Is the tree near a main road and is there a need to apply to close the road? 
• Does the tree need to be felled?  A small percentage of ash trees are likely to have a genetic resistance to the disease, and therefore do not need to be felled.  Private landowners therefore have a responsibility to understand the disease, the possible dangers and the importance of having healthy trees in the environment.  
• Is there a plan in place to plant new trees instead of the one that has been felled?  Information about financial support is available on the Coed Cymru and National Forest for Wales website.

 

The Future 

The Council's action plan will look at how we will increase the number of trees to recover from the loss, as a result of the destructive impact of the disease on our population of ash trees.     

It is hoped that three suitable saplings can be planted in place of each dying ash tree.  The plan will also look at planting more hedgerows and increase the variety of species in our woodlands. 

 

Contact us

If you have any enquiries regarding Ash Dieback Disease, contact us

• Contact us: ash dieback disease  

For any other matter regarding trees, e-mail coed@gwynedd.llyw.cymru