Oak diseases

I hear there is a serious disease affecting oak trees at the moment. What is it and should I be concerned?

Acute Oak Decline

Acute Oak Decline is a new disease to the UK and does infect our native oaks. It is thought to be caused by a bacterial infection and symptoms include “bleeding” cankers (areas of dead bark from which a black exudates) on the stem of the oak tree.  The extent and potential spread of this disease is presently under investigation by Forest Research and confirmation on the cause of the disease and its likely threat to our native woods is due within the next 6-12 months.

The Forestry Commission provides information on this disease including symptoms and management, and these can be found on the Forest Research website. 

New! FC guidance on acute oak decline now available

The Forestry Commission has published a Practice Note for woodland owners whose oak trees might be suffering from acute oak decline. ‘Managing Acute Oak Decline’ (FCPN015) by Sandra Denman is available to download free of charge.

What is the Trust doing?

We are monitoring all of our sites and working closely with Forest Research, the Forestry Commission and DEFRA to monitor and contain its spread.

What you can do

England, Scotland or Wales
The Forestry Commission should be notified of any outbreaks of this disease.  They can be contacted at:

Forestry Commission
Plant Health Service
Silvan House
231 Corstorphine Road
Edinburgh
EH14 5NE
Tel 0131 314 6414
Email: plant.health@forestry.gsi.gov.uk