SYMPTOMS of Chalara fraxinea can be visible on leaves, shoots and branches of affected trees.

Foliage: Leaves can suffer from wilting and black-brownish discoloration at the leaf base. Dieback of shoots and twigs is also very characteristic.

Branches and stems: Small lens-shaped lesions or necrotic spots appear on the bark of stems and branches and enlarge to form perennial cankers. These cause wilting and dieback of shoots and branches, particularly in the upper crown. Underneath the bark lesions, the wood has a brownish to grey discoloration.

Whole tree: Trees with withered tops and shoots are very characteristic. Heavily affected trees have extensive shoot, twig and branch dieback and often have prolific epicormic shoots.

For more details on identifying the disease, visit forestry.gov.uk/chalara

Alternatively, call the helpline on 08459-335577 between 8am and 6pm every day.