Tree pests and diseases
Pests and diseases have been accidentally introduced to the UK from overseas and are sweeping through the countryside.
At least 20 of these are attacking our native trees, with six reaching epidemic levels. There are many more that are at risk of being introduced through international trade and helped along by the warmer, wetter changing climate.
16 new
That's the number of new tree pests and diseases that have arrived in the UK since 2000.
80% of ash
That's how many ash trees we could lose as a result of ash dieback.
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Trees woods and wildlife
What we are doing about tree pests and diseases
We are fighting back against pests and diseases. Find out what we're doing to prevent the spread and protect the UK’s trees.
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Plant trees
UK sourced and grown trees: why is it important to buy them?
Buying UK sourced and grown trees is the best way to prevent the spread of imported pests and diseases.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Spotting and monitoring tree health
Observatree is a tree health early warning system ensuring that tree pests and diseases are spotted and reported quickly so they can be eliminated or controlled.
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Position statement
Tree health: biosecurity and plant imports
PDF (5.06 MB)
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About us
Where do our trees come from?
With increasing numbers of tree pests and diseases in the UK, it's important we have confidence in the trees we plant. Find out more about how our trees are sourced and grown.
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Position statement
Tree provenance in a changing climate
PDF (353 KB)
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Journal
Wood Wise – tree pests and diseases
PDF (2.55 MB)
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Journal
Wood Wise – EU-exit impacts
PDF (6.56 MB)
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Journal
Wood Wise – invasive species management in woodland habitats
PDF (3.64 MB)
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Blog
How invasive non-native species threaten our woods
Sally Bavin • 05 Oct 2023
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Policy paper
Reducing rhododendron in Scotland's rainforest
PDF (7.41 MB)