Trees enhance our landscapes and fill us with joy. They provide vital habitats for wildlife and supply valuable natural resources. Our lives depend on trees, yet the threat to their health from pests and diseases is increasing. The spread of these threats can cause devastating and widespread impacts on forests and woodlands.
If we look after trees, they will continue to look after us. Discover how we're safeguarding the nation's trees from these sources of harm and protecting their future for generations to come. Our lives depend on trees, yet the threat to their health is increasing.
What are tree pests and diseases?
Tree pests and diseases are tiny organisms such as insects, fungi, bacteria and viruses. They can damage or weaken trees by feeding on their leaves, bark, roots or stems, or by infecting their tissues. Many are too small to see, but they can still cause harm when they arrive in new places.
How do tree pests and diseases spread?
Tree pests and diseases often move in mud, water or leaf litter, which means they can spread easily without being seen. They can travel on mud stuck to boots, bike tyres or paws, or in soil or debris carried by vehicles.
They can also be moved long distances on plants and seeds transported between countries. Because these organisms are so small, they can spread quickly from place to place before anyone notices.
What are the risks to trees?
Global travel and trade has increased the movement of plant and wood products. This means that new pests and diseases can easily arrive in the UK with the potential to cause damage to trees and woodlands. Plants imported to the UK now need plant passports to prove they are safe to travel.
A changing climate, with warmer temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events, is also increasing the risk of new pests to our trees and adding to the stress they face. Insects and fungi not normally found in England have been finding new places to live and grow.
How we're working to combat tree pests and diseases
We all have a key role to play in the battle against tree pests and diseases, and the importance of our own actions at Forestry England has never been more imporant.
Growing from seed
Our nurseries grow millions of trees every year to replant forests across England and create new areas of woodland. By growing strong and healthy trees, we give our forests the best chance of surviving. Having a homegrown supply means that we don't have to source them from abroad, which reduces the risk of importing new pests and diseases.
We use only the best seeds from the best trees to produce strong saplings. These seeds are sourced from places where the climate today is similar to what we expect in the future, helping our forests cope with changing conditions. As the seedlings grow, our expert staff care check they meet our strict standards for plant health.
Working with experts
We care for trees throughout their life and work hard to keep them healthy. Working with colleagues in the Forestry Commission, we monitor trees to spot any early signs of disease or damage.
We also work with scientists from Forest Research to learn more about pests and diseases. Surveys and samples are regularly taken to monitor for any threats. Any problems we do spot are treated to control their spread and protect other trees.
Diverse planting
Planting a wider range of tree species helps woodlands cope with pests, diseases and the pressures of a changing climate. Different species respond differently to stress, so greater variety means forests are better able to adapt and stay resilient.
We grow and plant a mix of conifers for timber, as well as breeding native species that can tolerate disease. Many of the trees we plant are new, alternative species predicted to cope better with future climate conditions, including redwood, cedar and maple.
You can learn more about how we're shaping forests to be more resilient in our Forests for the Future work, which explains how we assess woodlands, choose the right species and restore habitats so they remain strong for generations.
Taking action
Sometimes we have to remove certain trees to protect others and keep the forest healthy. The change can look dramatic, but removing affected trees helps prevent pests and diseases from spreading and causing greater harm.
Diseased trees can also become unsafe. They may become brittle, lose branches or fall. To protect visitors and staff, we remove trees that pose a risk, especially near play areas, trails or busy spaces. Where possible, the wood is left as deadwood to provide valuable habitat for wildlife.
How you can help protect tree health
You can take simple, easy actions to help to keep plants healthy and limit the spread of potentially devastating plant diseases.
- Clean boots, wheels and paws after visiting woodlands, forests and parks.
- Report any unusual symptoms on trees and plants by visiting Tree Alert.
- Take care of plants at home and at work to keep them healthy.
- Don’t bring back plants from abroad.
- Buy responsibly and source plants from reputable nurseries and suppliers.
