Imports of Ash trees may be banned by November

A ban on imports of ash trees to combat the threat of the tree diseaseChalara fraxinea could be in place as early as November.

The disease causes leaf loss and has already killed trees in England, Scotland and parts of mainland Europe.

The infected trees in the UK had come from nurseries in  Europe or had been in contact with imported ash trees.

A ban would also mean trees from infected areas would not be able to be moved to other locations.

All infected trees are being destroyed and the Plant Health Authority are on high alert across the country. Ash trees in the vicinity of infected sites are also being monitored by the Plant Health Authority to ensure early detection of the disease.

Suspected cases of the disease should be reported to the Forestry Commission so that appropriate action can be taken to prevent the disease from spreading.

The Government will work with the industry and those that grow or trade in ash plants to minimise the impact a ban will have on their businesses.