Ash die back

[RPA]

I have just been to look at a job today where there are two ash trees with die back. One has been on the way out for a few years according to the customer (bad stags head) and is to be removed, the other is more of a mystery.

 

It is about 5m from the road (village, mainly light traffic). It has been in full leaf this year but has now lost about 40% of its foliage on the side facing the road. The leaf stems are still visible but no leaf, there are very few leaves on the ground - certainly less than you would expect for early leaf drop.

 

Initial thoughts are that it has to be some form of leaf minor but as it is following the same pattern as the 1st ash and both are only affected on the side facing the road I'm not convinced (there has been no road/drainage work etc which could have caused root damage).

 

Anybody come across similar/any thoughts would be appreciated.

[Bart]

Just a thought, was the road heavily salted this winter, are they in the runoff area? doesnt explan the first Ash tho.

[RPA]

Very little salt during winter.

 

Both trees have die back to a varying degree/time scale but just in specific areas of the crowns (toward the road).

Half of the tree which has just started to defoliate looks really healthy

[Tully]

Some pics would be interesting.

 

If it seems to be mainly one side that is effected on both trees then I would be considering something effecting the roots on the side which would effect the crown.

[Mesterh]

Flooding of the road that may have caused root problems?