Winter is a great time of year for tackling woodland management and although the weather conditions across the Hills and Commons can be unforgiving, there are a few brave souls braving the conditions... MHT staff!
Our field staff team and contractors are hard at work carrying out essential tree safety works across the Hills and Commons, our wardens are out surveying our land holdings and supervising volunteers. This essential work goes towards helping us achieve our Land Management Plan goals from 2021-2026 which you can read more about here. Do check back via our latest news and social media for any tree works which will affect car parks or roads.
Why manage trees during winter? Firstly, tree disease can be easier to spot. If trees are still holding on to their old leaves in winter it may mean part of or the whole tree is dead and will need to be removed. If trees have shed their leaves then lesions, breaks or decay in the branches and bark may be more easily spotted and early detection can highlight the need for works. In winter, importantly, the flow of sap slows in the winter and as such, when they are pruned they heal quicker (they don't have do devote as much energy to growth).
We manage a considerable amount of tree cover (30% of our total land holding) and we try to ensure a good survey rate across all of our trees once every 3 years. Periodically when we have storms we also have to respond to additional works required. We regularly receive enquiries about trees not on our land or under our jurisdiction. If you're unsure whether a tree is under MHT jurisdiction you can check out our map here.
Ash dieback and tree diseases
Tree diseases are a serious threat to the health of the UK’s woodlands. The Trust is currently managing the devastating impacts of ash dieback disease. It is thought that 60-80%of all ash trees in the UK will be lost.
Trees with severe infections become brittle and die and therefore must be made safe, including felling, where found near to properties and highways. Work has already begun to remove the trees with the most severe infections in high risk areas including Wells Road and Earnslaw Car Park.
This novel and essential management requirement means that the Trust is facing huge financial pressures as the disease takes hold. Read more about Ash Dieback and please donate.