Ash Dieback Disease: Removal Costs and Replanting

Ash dieback disease has emerged as one of the most devastating tree diseases to affect the UK’s landscape in recent decades. With millions of ash trees across Britain showing signs of infection, property owners are increasingly faced with difficult decisions about removal and replanting. This comprehensive guide explores the costs associated with managing ash dieback, from initial assessment through to removal and replanting, helping you understand what to expect and how to budget for this necessary but often expensive process.

Understanding Ash Dieback Disease

Ash dieback, scientifically known as Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, is a fungal disease that has spread rapidly across the UK since its first confirmed case in 2012. The disease affects ash trees of all ages, causing leaf loss, crown dieback, and ultimately tree death in most cases.

The symptoms typically include:

• Wilting and blackening of leaves
• Diamond-shaped lesions on the bark
• Epicormic growth (shoots growing from the trunk)
• Progressive crown dieback
• Increased susceptibility to secondary infections

The Forestry Commission estimates that up to 80% of ash trees in the UK may eventually succumb to the disease, making it crucial for property owners to act promptly when symptoms are identified. Early intervention not only helps prevent the spread but can also reduce removal costs by addressing the problem before trees become hazardous.

When Removal Becomes Necessary

Determining when to remove an infected ash tree requires careful assessment by a qualified arborist. Whilst some trees may show resilience to the disease, many will deteriorate to a point where removal becomes the only safe option.

Key indicators that removal is necessary include:

• More than 50% crown dieback
• Significant bark lesions affecting structural integrity
• Location near buildings, roads, or public spaces
• Evidence of secondary infections like honey fungus
• Brittle branches posing immediate danger

In urban areas like London, Manchester, and Birmingham, local councils often require immediate action when infected trees pose risks to public safety. Rural properties in counties such as Devon, Yorkshire, and Cumbria may have more flexibility in timing, but the progression of the disease typically necessitates removal within 2-3 years of initial infection.

Tree Removal Cost Breakdown

The cost of removing ash trees affected by dieback varies considerably based on several factors. Understanding these variables helps property owners budget appropriately for what can be a substantial expense.

Average Removal Costs by Tree Size

• Small trees (up to 8 metres): £400-£750
• Medium trees (8-15 metres): £750-£1,500
• Large trees (15-25 metres): £1,500-£3,000
• Very large trees (over 25 metres): £3,000-£5,000+

Additional Cost Factors

Several elements can significantly impact the final removal cost:

• Accessibility: Trees in confined spaces or requiring specialist equipment may cost 30-50% more
• Proximity to structures: Trees near buildings require careful sectional dismantling, increasing labour costs
• Number of trees: Multiple removals often attract bulk discounts of 15-25%
• Stump removal: Add £150-£500 per stump depending on size
• Waste disposal: Infected timber requires special handling, adding £200-£500 to costs
• Emergency removal: Urgent work typically carries a 25-40% premium

Regional variations also affect pricing, with London and the South East typically 20-30% higher than Northern regions like Newcastle or Leeds.

Legal Requirements and Permissions

Before removing ash trees, property owners must navigate various legal requirements that can impact both timeline and costs.

Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs)

Trees protected by TPOs require local authority permission before removal, even when diseased. The application process typically takes 6-8 weeks and may require:

• Arboricultural report (£300-£500)
• Disease confirmation testing (£150-£250)
• Replanting proposals
• Application fees (varies by council)

Conservation Areas

Properties within conservation areas must give six weeks’ notice before carrying out tree work. Councils in historic cities like Bath, Oxford, and Cambridge often have strict requirements for replacement planting to maintain area character.

Felling Licences

Removing more than 5 cubic metres of timber per calendar quarter requires a felling licence from the Forestry Commission, though exemptions exist for diseased trees posing immediate danger.

Safe Disposal and Biosecurity Measures

Proper disposal of infected ash material is crucial for preventing disease spread and complying with regulations. The additional costs and requirements for biosecurity measures must be factored into your budget.

Approved disposal methods include:

• Licensed waste facilities: Most councils operate approved green waste sites
• On-site chipping: Material under 25mm diameter can be chipped and retained
• Burning: Permitted on-site with appropriate permissions
• Specialist collection: Some contractors offer biosecure removal services

Contractors should follow strict biosecurity protocols, including equipment cleaning between sites and covering loads during transport. These measures typically add 10-15% to standard removal costs but are essential for disease management.

Replanting Options and Costs

Replanting after ash removal offers opportunities to enhance your property whilst contributing to landscape recovery. Selecting appropriate replacement species ensures long-term success and value.

Recommended Replacement Species

• Native alternatives: Oak (£50-£200), Beech (£40-£150), Field Maple (£35-£120)
• Disease-resistant options: Hornbeam (£45-£160), Wild Cherry (£40-£140)
• Fast-growing choices: Silver Birch (£30-£100), Rowan (£35-£110)
• Urban-suitable trees: Liquidambar (£60-£180), Tulip Tree (£55-£170)

Planting Costs

Professional planting services typically charge:

• Small trees (2-3m): £150-£250 per tree including tree cost
• Semi-mature trees (3-5m): £300-£600 per tree
• Mature specimens (5m+): £800-£2,000+ per tree
• Aftercare packages: £100-£200 per tree annually

Many councils offer grant schemes for replanting, with organisations like the Woodland Trust providing free trees for community projects. The government’s Urban Tree Challenge Fund supports planting in towns and cities across England.

Financial Support and Grant Schemes

Various funding opportunities exist to help offset ash dieback management costs, though eligibility criteria and availability vary by location and circumstance.

Available Support Schemes

• Countryside Stewardship: Grants for woodland management including ash dieback response
• Tree Health Pilot Scheme: Regional funding for affected landowners
• Local Authority Grants: Many councils offer support for street tree replacement
• Insurance Claims: Some home insurance policies cover diseased tree removal

The Forestry Commission provides grants covering up to 50% of replanting costs in some circumstances, whilst the Tree Council offers small grants for community replanting projects. Application processes typically require detailed proposals and evidence of infection.

Choosing a Qualified Tree Removal Contractor

Selecting the right contractor ensures safe, compliant, and cost-effective ash dieback management. Given the specialised nature of diseased tree work, thorough vetting is essential.

Essential Qualifications and Credentials

• Arboricultural Association Approved Contractor status
• NPTC chainsaw and aerial tree work certificates
• Public liability insurance (minimum £5 million)
• Waste carrier’s licence for material disposal
• Knowledge of biosecurity protocols

Questions to Ask Contractors

• Experience with ash dieback cases
• Disposal methods and biosecurity measures
• Breakdown of costs and payment terms
• Timeline for completion
• Guarantees and aftercare services
• References from similar projects

Obtain at least three quotes for comparison, ensuring each includes the same scope of work. Whilst cost is important, the lowest quote may not represent best value if corners are cut on safety or compliance.

Conclusion

Managing ash dieback disease represents a significant challenge and expense for UK property owners, with removal costs ranging from hundreds to thousands of pounds per tree. However, prompt action, careful planning, and informed decision-making can help minimise both costs and risks. By understanding the full scope of removal and replanting requirements, exploring available financial support, and selecting qualified contractors, property owners can navigate this process effectively. As the UK continues adapting to ash dieback’s impact, replanting with diverse, resilient species offers hope for restoring our treasured landscapes. Whether you’re dealing with a single garden tree or managing multiple ash trees across a larger property, taking action now protects both safety and property values whilst contributing to the recovery of Britain’s treescape for future generations.