Leeds City Council is valiantly tackling the devastating ash dieback disease along its highways, using AI and on-the-ground assessments to identify and remove hazardous ash trees, ensuring five new trees are planted for every one felled. This proactive approach, championed by Councillor Mohammed Rafique, aims to protect motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians while restoring the urban canopy, with landowners urged to check an interactive map and guidance on the council’s website for their responsibilities regarding 1,300 privately owned and 1,000 council-owned trees needing action.
What is Leeds City Council doing to address ash dieback along highways?
Leeds City Council is using AI and on-the-ground assessments to identify ash trees with dieback near highways. Hazardous trees are removed, with five new trees planted for each one felled. Public resources and guidance help landowners manage affected trees and ensure safety.
The Scope of the Threat: Ash Dieback Disease
Ash dieback disease, a devastating fungal infection caused by Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, has become a significant threat to the UK’s forests and landscapes. The disease blocks the transport of water and nutrients within ash trees, leading to leaf loss, bark lesions, and ultimately, tree death. Studies indicate that 80% to 90% of the UK’s ash trees are at risk, signaling a profound change in the country’s natural environment and biodiversity.
The spread of ash dieback presents particular challenges in urban and roadside environments. Trees weakened by the infection can become brittle, increasing the risk of branches or entire trees collapsing. This is especially concerning along highways, where falling trees pose dangers to motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. According to recent surveys, thousands of ash trees located near highways have been identified as hazardous and in need of urgent intervention.
The implications of this disease extend beyond environmental loss. As ash trees decline, secondary infections and opportunistic pests can further destabilize affected woodlands. This cycle not only transforms the visual landscape but also disrupts habitats for various species that rely on ash trees for shelter and food. The management of such widespread disease is now regarded as a priority for both public and private landowners throughout the UK.
Innovative Approaches to Tree Identification and Public Safety
Leeds City Council has employed advanced methods to address the risks posed by diseased ash trees, particularly those lining highways. Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) technology, a comprehensive survey has been conducted to locate ash trees susceptible to dieback or showing other significant defects. Following initial identification by AI, teams of trained staff have carried out on-the-ground assessments to confirm the condition of each tree.
This dual approach – combining high-tech mapping with traditional fieldwork – has enabled the council to efficiently catalog at-risk trees and prioritize their removal. So far, several hundred dangerous trees have already been safely taken down, with plans underway to continue these efforts. Notably, the council has established a restorative policy of planting five new trees for every ash removed from council land. This initiative aims to mitigate the environmental impact of large-scale felling and support the regeneration of urban green spaces.
Safety remains paramount in these operations. The council has a statutory duty to ensure that trees under its control do not pose unreasonable risks to people or property. This responsibility is equally shared by private landowners, especially for trees situated near roads. As Councillor Mohammed Rafique, executive member for climate, energy, environment, and green space at Leeds City Council, explained: “Ash dieback disease is unfortunately estimated to kill up to 80% to 90% of all ash trees in the UK. In Leeds, our teams have worked hard to identify thousands of trees near to highways that are currently in need of felling.”
Public Resources and Landowner Responsibilities
To assist in managing this complex situation, Leeds City Council has developed a suite of public resources. An interactive map details the locations and conditions of ash trees near highways, clearly indicating which require action. Landowners are strongly encouraged to consult this map to determine if their property is affected. The council’s dedicated webpage also offers vital information, outlining legal responsibilities and best practices for monitoring tree health.
Currently, around 1,300 privately owned trees have been marked for pruning or removal, while an additional 1,000 trees on council land are scheduled for action. The council urges all landowners – public and private alike – to regularly inspect their trees and seek advice if signs of disease or instability are detected. “Landowners do have responsibility to manage trees on their own land,” Councillor Rafique emphasized. “If you own land near to the highway then you should check the map to view the condition of your trees, but wherever you live it’s also important to read the guidance on the webpage if you are at all concerned about any trees you have on your property.”
The guidance provided covers:
– How to recognize symptoms of ash dieback and other defects.
– Steps to take if a tree is identified as hazardous.
– Legal obligations for landowners regarding tree safety.
– Contact information for council support and professional tree services.
These resources are updated on an ongoing basis to reflect the latest survey data and management recommendations, ensuring the public has access to current and actionable information.
Ecological and Community Initiatives for Future Resilience
The removal of diseased trees is only one aspect of the comprehensive strategy being implemented. Leeds City Council is committed to restoring lost canopy cover and supporting local biodiversity through large-scale tree planting. For every ash tree removed on council land, five new trees will be planted, contributing to urban cooling, improved air quality, and enhanced habitats for wildlife. This scheme is designed to promote long-term ecological resilience and offset the environmental losses caused by ash dieback.
Community engagement plays a significant role in these efforts. Local residents and organizations are encouraged to participate in planting events and stewardship programs, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for the health of public green spaces. Educational initiatives inform the public about the importance of native trees, the threats posed by invasive diseases, and practical steps for monitoring and maintaining tree health in residential areas.
The council’s strategy involves collaboration with conservation bodies, arboricultural experts, and government agencies to ensure a coordinated and science-backed approach. By combining disease surveillance, proactive removal, targeted replanting, and public education, Leeds aims to create a sustainable model for urban forestry management that can be adapted by other municipalities facing similar challenges. For continuing updates and guidance, residents are encouraged to visit the council’s dedicated tree management webpage.
- Leeds City Council is using AI and on-the-ground assessments to identify and remove hazardous ash trees along highways.
- For every ash tree felled, five new trees are planted to restore the urban canopy and mitigate environmental impact.
- Ash dieback disease, caused by Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, is a fungal infection threatening 80% to 90% of the UK’s ash trees.
- An interactive map and guidance on the council’s website help landowners understand their responsibilities for 1,300 privately owned and 1,000 council-owned trees needing action.
- The council emphasizes public safety due to the risk of weakened trees collapsing, especially along highways, and urges landowners to inspect their trees.