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Tree disease

pippaboxKC4Fnvx0pippaboxKC4Fnvx0 Posts: 3
in Problem solving
Hi, We have an ash tree that must have had a disease for a number of years, it looks past all hope now so we plan to cut it down (see pic below of the trunk). But I've also started to notice similar lesions on other trees in the garden, including a crimson spire oak planted as a memorial tree just 2 years ago (see 2nd pic - the marks go all the way round the base but I really don't want to lose this one), and even on a small apple tree (third pic). 

We have loads of trees in the garden so really worried about this disease spreading, does anyone know what the disease is, and what we should do about it?

Thanks very much

Posts

  • pippaboxKC4Fnvx0pippaboxKC4Fnvx0 Posts: 3
    Hi Pansyface, thanks - I guess! As bad as I feared.
    Any thoughts on whether I should avoid planting new trees in the same position (is the soil contaminated)?
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    Canker enters from damage to the bark, such as can be caused by fauna or mechanical damage such as strimmers, mowers etc.  It doesn't spread in the soil but can be transferred on the blades of gardening tools so clean blades between cuts using a weak bleach solution or similar anti-bacterial fluid/wipe if you do any pruning.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • pippaboxKC4Fnvx0pippaboxKC4Fnvx0 Posts: 3
    Thanks very much Bob, looks like I'm going to bite the bullet then and get rid of these trees, but I will make sure I'm careful on the tree hygiene front.
    Cheers
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