As part of Great Big Green Week (7-15th June 2025), we’re raising awareness of a silent threat to our woodlands and gardens - tree diseases. We’re proud to support arborists, tree surgeons, and environmentally conscious homeowners by not only providing high-quality tools, electric chippers and biodegradable oils, but also sharing vital knowledge to help preserve the UK’s green spaces.
1. Ash Dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus)
Affecting millions of ash trees across the UK, this fungus causes leaf loss and branch dieback.
Symptoms include dark patches on leaves, black shoots and twigs, shrivelled leaves, and the growth of new branches extending inwards rather than outwards.
It’s highly contagious and requires the careful removal of infected limbs or full tree removal in severe cases.
Tip: Our chainsaw chains and bars are built to tackle heavy ash removal efficiently and safely, offering OEM-grade performance at a fraction of the cost.
2. Oak Processionary Moth (OPM)
The caterpillars of this moth defoliate oak trees and pose health risks to humans and animals. Eradication often involves pruning nests and affected branches.
Tip: Use our pole pruner chains for safe, high-reach pruning, ideal for accessing higher oak branches without the need for climbing. We also sell a robust pole pruner saw attachment for manual sawing.
3. Dutch Elm Disease
Still a serious concern despite decades of management, this fungal disease is spread by elm bark beetles and quickly kills infected trees.
Tip: Our powerful log splitter make light work of converting diseased elm into manageable, usable firewood, reducing waste and risk of further contamination.
Phytophthora Diseases (e.g. Ramorum)
This pathogen affects a range of species including larch, beech, and chestnut as well as crops like tomato plants.
Symptoms of Phytophthora infection include yellow and wilted leaves at the early stage, and later on, root rot and defoliation.
The Forestry Commission mandates felling in infected zones too prevent pathogenic spread.
Tip: Rotatech’s wood chippers and chainsaw accessories help you clear and process large volumes of timber quickly. Looking for an eco friendly solution? We sell a powerful electric chipper, so you can manage waste without the need for non-renewable fuel.
5. Horse Chestnut Bleeding Canker
Marked by dark ooze, this bacterial disease weakens the tree’s structure, often leading to decay and tree death.
Symptoms of horse chestnut bleeding canker include a dark rusty coloured liquid seeping from cracks in the bark, necrotic inner bark and dieback.
There you have it - the top 5 tree diseases in the UK, the symptoms to look out for and tips on how to tackle them. Tree care is just one of the crucial ways we can help protect green spaces this Green Week and beyond. We make tree care accessible by offering high quality arb gear at unbeatable value, with fast delivery for when you need it most.
Whether you're working in forestry management or in your own garden, trust Rotatech to help power your work.