A DOZEN elm trees are set to be removed from the grounds of a school after being infected with elm disease.
A thorough inspection of the trees near the Downs View Life Skills College in Old London Road, Brighton, found that the 12 trees could not be saved and that removal was the only way to prevent the spread of the disease.
A spokesman for Brighton and Hove City Council said that containment of the infection has become harder over the last few years due to an increase in wood-burning stoves, increasing the risk of contaminated wood coming into the city.
He said: “We ask residents not to buy any logs for winter fuel if the supplier cannot guarantee that the wood isn’t elm and not to bring any elm timber into the city for use as garden ornaments, seating or anything else.”
Work to remove the trees from the Downs View Life Skills in Old London Road in Brighton will take place on September 1 and 2 to contain the spread of the disease.
Councillor Elaine Hills, a member of the council’s environment, transport and sustainability committee, said: “It’s very sad that we’re losing more of our much-loved trees to elm disease.
“Unfortunately, our only option is to remove all 12 trees to stop the infection spreading further.
“It’s the third summer in a tow that we’re seeing very high levels of elm disease and it’s devastating to see it having such an impact in the city again.
“Our arboriculturists are all experts in protecting Brighton and Hove’s elms and it’s vital that we act quickly as we can to contain the spread of infection.
“It is crucial that we do everything we can to maintain the city’s tree population and reduce the impact on biodiversity from trees lost to disease. This is why we are planting thousands of young trees in the city every year.”
Elm remains the dominant tree across the city, with an estimated population of more than 17,000.
Anyone concerned about an elm tree in their area should contact the council at elmdisease@brighton-hove.gov.uk.
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