Ash Dieback Disease: Why You Need a Certified Tree Surgeon in Surrey

Ash Dieback Disease: Why Professional Tree Surgeons Are Essential for Safe Management

Ash dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus) is a devastating tree disease affecting millions of ash trees across the UK, including throughout Surrey. If you're a homeowner, landowner, or local authority in areas like Leatherhead, Cobham, or Oxshott, understanding this disease and taking early action is crucial—not just for the health of your trees, but for public safety and legal responsibility.

At Arborlife Tree Surgeons, we’ve seen first-hand the damage ash dieback can cause. This blog explains what ash dieback is, the signs to look for, and why it’s vital to hire a qualified tree surgeon to manage infected trees safely and legally.

What Is Ash Dieback?

Ash dieback is a serious fungal disease that affects the common ash tree (Fraxinus excelsior). First identified in the UK in 2012, it has spread rapidly across the country and is now one of the most serious threats to native woodland.
The fungus enters through leaves and spreads to the branches and trunk, disrupting the tree's vascular system. Over time, it leads to:
• Leaf loss

• Crown dieback

• Lesions in the bark

• Weakening and death of the tree

Infected ash trees become brittle and unpredictable, posing a significant risk to people, property, and roads if left unmanaged.

Why Ash Dieback Is a Serious Problem

Ash trees make up around 12% of Britain's broadleaf woodland, and their loss will impact biodiversity, wildlife, and the landscape. But beyond the ecological concerns, there are immediate safety and legal reasons for managing diseased trees.
• Public safety risk: Infected trees can drop large branches or collapse without warning.

• Legal obligations: Landowners have a duty of care under the Occupiers’ Liability Act to prevent foreseeable harm.

• Felling regulations: Infected trees may still require a felling licence or notice unless deemed an immediate hazard.

Trying to manage or remove infected ash trees without professional help can lead to accidents and liability.

How Arborlife Tree Surgeons Can Help

Dealing with ash dieback is not a job for DIY or general gardeners. At Arborlife, our certified tree surgeons have the expertise and equipment to handle infected ash trees safely, legally, and efficiently.

Here’s what we offer:

✅ Tree Inspections & Risk Assessments
We assess the health and structural integrity of ash trees and provide clear guidance on whether action is needed. Early intervention can sometimes preserve the tree, or at least delay removal.
✅ Safe Tree Felling & Dismantling
Ash trees affected by dieback become brittle and dangerous to climb. We use roped access techniques, MEWPs (cherry pickers), and rigging systems to safely remove trees, even in confined or high-risk areas.
✅ Stump Removal & Site Clearance
After felling, we can grind stumps to remove the last trace of infection and prepare your land for replanting or landscaping.
✅ Legal & Council Compliance

We handle applications for felling licences and liaise with local authorities where required. We also advise on replanting plans, particularly where Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) or conservation areas apply.

When Should You Act?

Ash dieback progresses quickly, and trees can become unsafe within just one or two growing seasons. You should contact a tree surgeon if:
• Your ash tree shows signs of sparse leaves, blackened leaf stalks, or crown thinning

• Bark lesions or cracks are visible

• Branches are shedding or the tree appears unstable

• The tree is near roads, footpaths, or buildings

Waiting increases the danger and cost of removal, especially once the tree becomes too unstable for safe climbing.

Areas We Cover

We provide ash dieback management and all aspects of tree surgery in:
• Leatherhead

• Cobham

• Oxshott

• Esher

• Weybridge

• Chessington

• Epsom

• Guildford
• And throughout Surrey


Our team is fully insured, qualified, and known for safe, respectful work in both residential and commercial settings.

Get a Free Tree Health Check

Don’t wait until it's too late. If you have ash trees on your property, especially mature specimens or those near public areas, get them professionally inspected as soon as possible.
At Arborlife Tree Surgeons, we offer free, no-obligation quotes and honest advice. We’re here to keep your landscape safe, healthy, and legally compliant.