Ash Die Back FAQS

Common signs of Ash Dieback are wilted, dying leaves, diamond shaped lesions on the trunk and a reduced amount of leaf cover in the canopy. Further guidance with pictures can be found on the Tree Council's website.

Yes! A healthy tree does not cause the same concern for health and safety as a diseased tree. Trees have numerous benefits for the people and the environment and make a welcome contribution to your garden. You should however, continue to monitor the health of the tree on a regular basis and look for signs of Ash Dieback appearing in the future.

If the tree appears to be healthy it should not pose the same health and safety issues as a diseased tree. If the tree shows signs of Ash Dieback it would be advisable to speak to your neighbour in the first instance. They may not be aware of the disease and the risks. If you rent your property then you should discuss with your landlord. Legally, you may remove branches that overhang onto your property. However, you should always check if the tree is protected in anyway before removing branches. Even if you do not own the tree, permission will still need to be sought from the Council (see questions 7 and 8). Keep a note of any discussions, letters or emails regarding the tree. If a solution or compromise cannot be reached then you may contact your nearest Citizens Advice for further help. Dundee City Council can write to the tree owner if the tree is dangerous and overhangs public property such as a pavement or footpath but otherwise would not be involved in a civil dispute. 

If you have any concerns about your tree you should seek the advice of a professional tree surgeon or arboriculturist. They will be able to advise you on any work required to the tree or if it requires felling, they may also be able to carry out this work for you. Dundee City Council is not in a position to offer individual advice on private trees or carry out work on private property. The Arboricultural Association offers good advice on how to find and select a tree surgeon.

Dundee City Council are currently surveying all ash trees on its property and will assess which trees require management or felling. This work will be prioritised based on risk and location. Dundee City Council is not in a position to deal with trees on private property. Trees on private property are the responsibility of the owner of that property and the Council will neither survey nor treat ash trees on private land unless they present a risk of danger to the public.  In such a case the Council may serve notice to an owner to undertake work to the affected tree or, where danger is imminent, may undertake the work and recover the expenses of doing so from the owner of the property. 

The felling of trees is regulated by Scottish Forestry through the issuing of Felling Permissions (formerly felling licenses). It is an offence to fell trees without permission unless there’s an exemption. Exemptions include, but are not limited to:

1. Trees in orchards, gardens, churchyards, burial grounds and public spaces
2. Any trees with a diameter at breast height (1.3m from the ground) of 10cm or less
3. Up to 5 cubic metres of timber within any set calendar quarter
4. Where it is necessary for the prevention of immediate danger to persons or property.

Further information and advice can be found on the Scottish Forestry website.

Find out if they are in a conservation area.

You need the consent of the Council to prune, fell or lop trees covered by tree preservation orders and trees in conservation areas. There is no fee for these applications. The quickest and most convenient way to submit an application seeking to obtain consent is through the Scottish Government eplanning portal.

This website provides useful advice on how to create an account and to submit an application. Alternatively: Download paper copies of the application forms (see Tree Works Forms and Tree Works Guidance Notes) and email the application to planning@dundeecity.gov.uk

Find out if the trees are covered by a tree preservation order.

You need the consent of the Council to prune, fell or lop trees covered by tree preservation orders and trees in conservation areas. There is no fee for these applications. The quickest and most convenient way to submit an application seeking to obtain consent is through the Scottish Government eplanning portal.

This website provides useful advice on how to create an account and to submit an application. Alternatively: Download paper copies of the application forms (see Tree Works Forms and Tree Works Guidance Notes) and email the application to planning@dundeecity.gov.uk.

No. Ash dieback has already been recorded in the Dundee area and is no longer reportable.

No. Dundee City Council are currently surveying all ash trees on its property and will assess which trees require management or felling. This work will be prioritised based on risk and location.