A deadly disease is about to put thousands of ash trees in Dundee at risk.
Suspected cases of ash dieback have been found just over the Angus boundary, on the banks of the Dighty near where it flows into the Tay. The city council is now warning the disease is likely to spread into the city over the summer.
Ash dieback is caused by the fungus chalara fraxinea and has become a problem across Scotland, with cases discovered in several parts of Courier Country last year.
The Forestry Commission recently published an action plan aimed at delaying its spread, but it admitted the disease is expected to have a serious impact on the nation’s stock of ash trees over the next few years.
Council officers have drawn up a report to be considered by councillors next week. They explain there are known to be 3,000 ash trees on council-owned land and another 4,000 on private sites.
The real total is likely to be considerably higher as the species easily propagates on to unmanaged and derelict land.
“Although ash dieback has not been found in Dundee, there are unconfirmed cases of the disease in Angus on trees along the Dighty near its emergence into the Tay,” the officer said.
“These have been reported to Forestry Commission Scotland. It is anticipated that the disease will be found in Dundee by the summer.”
Trees less than 10 years old are most at risk. If they are found to be infected the Forestry Commission has recommended they be removed. The council will plant suitable replacements on its own sites.
The officers said: “Environment department staff will continue to inspect and monitor the city’s trees throughout the summer and report any significant findings.”