Ash dieback - Different perspective?

[Ledburyjosh]

Interesting article..  I can't help but think the urban factors he mentioned may just be irrelevant and the trees genetics alone it's the primary reason for its reasonable health. This can be evidenced by many healthy Ash trees surrounded by declining ones that do not have any of those urban factors he's has discussed. Which to some extent invalidates his observations, particularly as its a sample size if one he discusses. And as he mentioned, other Ash trees, just streets away, are declining. Presumably these would also have the urban factors he mentions as the reasons this particular Ash tree is doing OK, again suggesting that it's more likely genetics being the primary factor.

 

I do agree that many thousands are being felled without a valid reason based on poor risk assessments, panic and tree surgeons cashing in on it.