Trees in Salisbury are being felled after contracting a viral fungal disease.

A number of trees in Laverstock have been identified as having Ash Dieback.

The disease, which is lethal to most ash trees, has affected trees near Pilgrims Way and Burroughs Close.

Laverstock & Ford Parish Council has appointed Ockenden Tree Services to carry out the work, starting today (Monday, October 11), to last for four to five days.

A map of the affected area has been posted on the council's website.

 

What is Ash Dieback?

Ash Dieback was first identified in the UK in 2012, and since then has become widespread across the country.

Conservationists warn it could kill up to 95 per cent of the UK's ash trees, costing billions of pounds, changing the landscape, and threatening many species that rely on ash.

The National Trust says the rise in the disease is partly due to climate change, with dry weather putting stress on trees and leaving them more susceptible to infection.

The disease is caused by a fungus which penetrates the leaves of an ash tree and goes on to block its water transport systems, causing it to die.

The fungus spores travel in the wind, which enables it to spread easily and making it hard to control.

The council says the affected trees in Laverstock will be replaced with native species where appropriate, and added: "We apologise for any inconvenience caused while this essential work is being carried out."

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