Trees in class 3 and 4 pose the highest risk to infrastructure, such as highways, and to public safety.
What is ash dieback
Ash dieback is a highly destructive fungal disease that poses a considerable risk to native ash trees, resulting in their decline and death. The disease is progressive and can weaken and kill some trees quickly, especially smaller, younger trees.
There is no cure, although some trees have natural tolerance and may survive. It is spread through wind-borne spores which poses no risk to human or animal health.
Identify an ash tree
Ash is a common tree and is found all over the city, in woodlands, in parks and public open spaces, along our highways and on private land and gardens. The Woodland Trust has a useful guide to help you identify an ash tree.
How to identify ash dieback
Symptoms include leaf loss, wilted leaves with dark blotches, lesions on branches and the trunk (often diamond-shaped), and dieback of shoots and branches. More information can be found in the following guides:
- Forestry Commission - guide to the basic symptoms of ash dieback
- The Tree Council - a photo ID guide to symptoms in larger trees
- Forestry Commission - short video to identify ash dieback in the field
What the council is doing
We have commissioned a survey to identify the location, size and condition of ash trees. Local authorities are responsible for managing ash dieback on public land and the survey has so far resulted in the removal of several hundred diseased ash trees and dead trees of other species.
Further tree removals are being planned over the coming months, and it is likely that thousands of ash trees will need to be removed over the next few years.
Landowner responsibilities
If you have ash trees on your land you are responsible for monitoring their condition regularly and ensuring they don’t pose a risk to people or property.
Check for signs
You should check for signs of ill health or dieback and have them removed or pruned, if appropriate.
The 4 stages of ash dieback have been identified, based on the percentage of live tree canopy:
| Class | Percentage of canopy dead |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0 to 25% |
| 2 | 25 to 50% |
| 3 | 50 to 75% |
| 4 | 75 to 100% |
Ash dieback is a progressive disease that worsens with each growing season, and unfortunately, most ash trees will continue to decline over time. If you have ash trees on your property, it's important to monitor their condition regularly.
Trees that become unsafe may need to be removed.
As a landowner, you have a legal duty to ensure that your trees do not pose a danger to people or property. This includes trees near public highways, where safety risks can be more significant.
We aim to work collaboratively with landowners and are happy to offer advice to help you manage affected trees.
Enforcement action
Under Section 154(2) of the Highways Act 1980, the council has the legal authority to issue a formal notice requiring the removal of trees that present an imminent risk to highway users. If such a notice is issued, action must be taken within 14 days.
We hope enforcement is never necessary and that by providing access to our ash dieback map, you’ll have the information needed to plan ahead.
If you have any questions or need advice, please contact us.
Find trees on your land using our online map
To help landowners, we have produced an online map of the main highways in Leeds, showing the location and condition of all trees for which data has been collected. Once you have found your location, you can see if any trees at risk have been identified on your land and if there are any recommendations for the trees.
The map doesn’t include all ash trees, for example those in back gardens, but highlights those within falling distance of highways. It is important you check any ash trees on your land for signs of dieback.
How to use the map
To use the ash dieback (ADB) online map:
Find your location
There are 2 ways you can search for your land or property:
1. Use the search bar
Click on the magnifying tool on the right-hand side of the map to bring up the search box.
Type in the first line of your address or postcode in the search bar.
2. Zoom and scroll
Zoom: Use the plus + and minus – symbols on the right-hand side of the map, to zoom in and out. (You can also use the mouse wheel to do this if you have one).
Scroll: Left click and hold and move the cursor to scroll around the map.
Find the tree details
- Click on a coloured circle.
- A box will pop up with the tree reference, for example Tree – 7795.
- You’ll see details of the tree, including a photo
- Look for the ‘Canopy Condition’ – which will be Class 1 to 4.
- Check to see if any work is required
Contact us for help or to report an issue
For help using this map, email AshDieback.enquiries@leeds.gov.uk.
This is a live map, and we continually update it to ensure the information is current and accurate.
What to do next
Arrange for a tree inspection
If appropriate, you may need to have the trees independently inspected by a qualified arboricultural professional and to implement their recommendations. Leeds City Council is keen to work in partnership with landowners, so please contact us with details of any action you have taken.
Arrange for a tree removal
Work on ash dieback affected trees is particularly hazardous and should only be carried out by qualified contractors who understand the dangers. Trees can be brittle and unsafe to climb.
Tree contractors are at the greatest risk of injury from dying ash trees, so it is important that they are fully qualified, insured and aware of the dangers of dealing with ash dieback affected trees. Depending on where the tree is located, temporary traffic management, such as a lane closure, might be needed.
Professional contractors
A qualified professional will be able to provide guidance on the best approach. Read further advice for both tree contractors and those employing them:
- Arboricultural Association - ash dieback practical guidance
- The Forest Industry - safety Information
- Forestry Commission - Tree felling: getting permission
Additional information
Do I need all of my ash trees removed
If one or more ash trees has been identified as having ash dieback, you do not need to have all of the other ash trees on your property removed.
Whilst it’s likely that all of the ash trees in Leeds have been exposed to the disease, research shows that some trees have a natural resilience and may survive. These trees are vital for the future, as they can produce seeds that grow into the next generation of tolerant ash trees.
Can I legally remove class 3 and 4 ash trees from my land
Unless your tree(s) meets certain legal exceptions, you may need to acquire a Felling Licence Agreement from the Forestry Commission.
Find detailed guidance in parts 3 and 4 of the GOV.UK Operations Note 46a: Managing ash trees affected by ash dieback.
If your ash tree has a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or is within a Conservation Area, you must contact us for advice. Email: AshDieback.enquiries@leeds.gov.uk.
Find out if a tree is covered by a TPO or is in a Conservation Area on our online map.
Advice for landowners who have responsibility for the management of trees
Additional advice is available for landowners who have responsibility for the management of individual and small groups of ash trees that are likely to be or become infected by ash dieback:
GOV.UK - Operations Note - Managing ash trees affected by ash dieback.
