Sudden Oak Death

This disease has already claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of trees in America, particularly in the west.

It is now in parts of the UK, such as Devon, Hampshire, Staffordshire and parts of Somerset.

To recognize it, look for Splitting bark with oozing, thick and dark maroon-red sap. The leaves all start to curl and go brown.

I recommend if you see it, then you should contact the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs who will notify its whereabouts and get the relevant wheels in motion.

The species most affected are Fraxinus (Ash), Fagus (Beech), Castanea (Sweet Chestnut), Aesculus (Horse Chestnut).

Believe it or not, Quercus robur (English Oak) is still staving of the disease.

It is also said that Viburnums and Rhododendron and Camellias are prone to it in the shrub world too.

The Disease is thought to be a cross between Fungus and Algae, so up to now they are finding it tough to locate a treatment that is successful.

This is relatively new in this country so I feel you all ought to be aware of it, as I have a nasty feeling this is not the last we will see or hear of it.

I Sincerely hope that you never have to encounter it in your garden. All the best The Plant Doctor.