Brighton and Hove City Council to fell trees infected with Elm Disease

Brighton and Hove City Council will remove 12 elm trees infected with elm disease from the grounds of the Downs View Life Skills College in Old London Road.

A council spokesman said that after a “thorough” inspection the removal of the trees was “the only option” due to the level of infection.

It is the third summer in a row that the city has seen very high levels of the disease attack its elm trees.

The work to remove the trees is planned to take place on September 1 and 2.

A council spokesman stressed the importance of removing all infected wood from felling sites to prevent further spread.

“We have found an issue this summer of diseased elm timber being left on a site, and we are following this up with the company involved,” he said.

“All professional tree contractors should be advising residents on the correct way to deal with infected elm trees.”

Diseased elm trees in Patcham will be felled next week

Councillor Elaine Hills, a member of the environment, transport and sustainability committee, said the loss of the trees is “very sad”.

“It’s very sad that we’re losing more of our much-loved trees to elm disease,” she said.

“Unfortunately, our only option is to remove all 12 trees to stop the infection spreading further.

“It’s the third summer in a row 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 as 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.

“If you’re concerned about an elm, do get in touch with the team to let them know.”

• Read more: Action to tackle destructive tree disease set to continue on road network

Elms remain the dominant tree across the city, with an estimated growing population of more than 17,000.

And each summer, the council’s arboriculture team faces a “battle” across the city against the tiny beetle which carries the deadly elm disease fungus.

One of the most common ways for a tree to become infected is via beetles breeding on elm logs stored in the area.

The council has asked residents not to buy any logs for winter fuel if the supplier cannot guarantee that the wood is not elm.

It has also asked people not to bring any elm timber into the city for use as garden ornaments, seating or anything else.

Brighton and Hove City Council’s arboriculture team offers a free inspection of firewood and other timber.

If the wood is elm, it will dispose of it and give residents a similar quantity free of charge.

The council has also urged residents to let it know about any elm tree they spot with leaves turning from green to yellow or brown or with a scorched look in the spring, and report any dead trees.

If anyone is concerned about an elm tree, email elmdisease@brighton-hove.gov.uk