Fully Qualified
CHAS Accredited
200+
5 Star Reviews
Waste Recycled
Responsible Disposal
Local Experts
10+ Years Experience
£10M
Liability Insurance
200+
5 Star Reviews
Waste Recycled
Responsible Disposal
Local Experts
10+ Years Experience
£10M
Liability Insurance
Ash dieback is a serious fungal disease that affects ash trees, caused by a fungus that infects the leaves before spreading to the branches and trunk, blocking the tree’s water transport system and leading to progressive decline. At Quill Hall Arboriculture, we provide specialist ash dieback assessment and management for homeowners, landowners, and commercial clients across Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire, and the surrounding areas, helping to protect healthy trees and safely remove those that have become a risk.
There is currently no cure for ash dieback, so management focuses on monitoring, containment, and safety. Our arborists assess the level of crown dieback and structural weakness in each affected tree, identifying those that pose a risk to people or property and those that may display a degree of natural resistance and can be preserved and monitored over time. Where trees are significantly compromised and at risk of falling, we carry out safe, controlled dismantling to protect surrounding structures and vegetation. We also provide guidance on the disposal of infected material to minimise the risk of further local spread, and can produce written reports for insurance, planning, or property purposes.
Specialist ash dieback assessment and removal carried out across Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire, and beyond.








Common signs include blackened or wilting leaves, premature leaf loss from June onwards, diamond-shaped lesions on the trunk, discolouration and cracking at the base of mature trees, and progressive dieback in the upper canopy. As the disease advances, affected trees may also produce epicormic shoots further down the trunk, giving a distinctive pom-pom appearance. If you notice any of these symptoms on an ash tree, it is worth having it assessed by a qualified arborist as soon as possible.
No, ash dieback poses no direct risk to human health. The concern is the structural risk posed by declining trees, which can become unstable and liable to drop branches or fall entirely as the disease progresses.
The fungus spreads primarily through wind-borne spores, which can affect multiple trees in close proximity. It can also be spread over longer distances through the movement of infected plant material or logs from affected trees, which is why careful disposal of infected material is important.
Some ash trees show a degree of natural resistance to the disease and may survive with careful monitoring and management. However, the majority of infected trees will continue to decline over time. Our arborists can assess whether a tree is showing signs of resistance and help you develop a long-term monitoring plan where appropriate.
Not necessarily. Trees that are structurally sound and showing potential resistance can often be retained and monitored, particularly where they provide valuable habitat or ecological benefits. Removal is recommended where a tree has become structurally unsafe or poses a risk to people or property.
If the tree is subject to a Tree Preservation Order or is located within a conservation area, you will need to apply for consent before removal, even if the tree is diseased. We can advise you on whether permission is required and assist with the application process where needed.