Public urged to check before reporting diseased trees

Well-meaning Scots are mistaking diseased trees for those simply hit by the big spring chill.

Forestry Commission Scotland is encouraging the public to continue to report possible cases of diseased trees but asked that they double check before calling.

Tree health police adviser Hugh Clayden said the public continued to be a “fantastic asset” when it came to managing trees, getting out in areas staff would rarely visit and quickly spotting potential problems.

“Having those extra feet on the ground is invaluable,” he said.

“However, we’d like people to double check before they call us because at the moment, all across the country, we are seeing examples of Scots pine and fir trees going brown because of unusual weather this spring.

“It is not the result of a disease, although it can easily be mistaken for such.”

The browning of pines and firs is down to the exceptionally unusual weather from March to May. The chilliest spring in 50 years, little rain, heavy snow and strong south-easterly winds all conspired to kill off needles and buds.