Infected Ash

[Paul Cleaver]

there is no stopping it now - no chance -

[ben_inthewoods]

There is very little risk of spreading Chalara via the transport of infected wood. As suggested by others in previous posts the spores are found in the leaves and leaf litter not the wood itself. Timber movement restrictions were discussed during the formulation of the national strategies to try and "manage" the spread of Chalara. There of course is the advice from FC and statutory conservation bodies to not fell ash prior to getting infected in order to try and find genetic resistance, but given that many ash trees are roadside and will therefore cost additional money to remove (traffic control etc) once infected the income of firewood surely should be considered to offset removal costs.

 

Dutch Elm Disease has been mentioned and this can be spread via firewood movements it is this "under the radar" movement that very likely lead to the spread of DED beyond Inverness a few years ago (despite official movement restrictions being in place).

On a wider point the movement of unprocessed or partly processed timber is an issue that responsible firewood merchants should carefully consider. There are very real risks out there and a few more on the horizon.

Current risks (not all):

Phytophthora ramorum - all those moving larch logs be aware that there are statutory movement restrictions in place.

 

Pine Tree Lappet Moth - all those moving pine logs during the spring and summer be aware that there are statutory movement restrictions in place.

 

Asian Longhorn Beetle - found in Kent (contained by sanitation felling???)

 

Citrus Longhorn Beetle - within EU

 

Emerald Ash Borer - very close to EU - traded within the EU via firewood crates - that is very possible (see posts about buying in processed wood from the EU that has not been kilned to a high enough temperature to remove the risk of EAB).

As a timber grower as well as a firewood producer I am extremely concerned about the spread of pathogens present in the UK and EU and the risk of more pathogens moving into the area of EU free trade and then into the UK via world trade. It is the first topic of conversation when UK foresters meet these days.

 

Once a pathogen is on in the wider environment there is very little that can be done. If carefully considered rules designed to control and limit the rate and extent of spread are ignored by any sector of the forestry, arb and horticultural industries we have a very big problem.

Those in the firewood sector not concerned about tree health are potentially going to cause a great deal of harm. Those trading in firewood as just a commodity is isolation to what is going on in the wider woodland/tree environment need to be brought into line. I would suggest that bio-security is an item on firewood producers websites and marketing material, particularly those importing part processed wood (ie with bark on).

 

I am not particularly looking to single out companies, but as Premium Wood has been touting for business it would be a good opportunity perhaps to put together a FAQ on how wood is sourced and what bio-security measures are taken to ensure new pathogens do not enter the UK countryside. I had a look at Premium Wood website and saw nothing at present.

 

Regards

Ben

[arbogrunt]

I've seen lots of Chalara in S.E. Essex...it seems to be spreading everywhere very vigorously...both in young and mature trees. As I understand it, it is spread in the leaf of the tree and it is ok to move timber/cord from site without spreading it (as lot as no leaf matter is present). Can anyone verify this?. Also, if burning is not a option, chipping and leaving the chips on site is surely the same as leaving brash piles?.

[ben_inthewoods]

That is certainly the case in Scotland and that decision was made with reference to England.

Edited August 18, 2013 by ben_inthewoods
typo

[Craig Johnson]

really, great advertisement for arboriculture:thumbdown:

 

arboriculture= management of trees=felling dead/dieing trees:001_tt2: