The increasing risks of new pests and diseases to London’s trees has been highlighted in a recent report.
The London Tree Officers Association (LTOA) has warned about the threats to the tree canopy and skyline of the capital in a biosecurity position statement.
This position statement reflects current concern about a number of significant pest and diseases threatening the health of London’s trees, including:
Acute Oak decline (AOC)
Canker Stain of Plane (CSP) Ceratocystis platani
Chalara Ash Dieback (CAD) Hymenoscyphus fraxineus
Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner (HCLM) Cameraria ohridella
Massaria Disease of Plane (MDP) Splanchnonema platani
Oak Processionary Moth (OPM) Thaumetopoea processionea
The LTOA is responsible for much of London’s tree population, a fundamental part of the environment, and the keystone species that support humans and wildlife and interconnect the entire city’s natural and physical processes, its water, soil and the very air we breathe.
The prospect of the decline and loss of the trees of London places a clear responsibility on government, municipal managers, LTOA members and the public to invest in protecting our trees if we are to secure and enhance their contribution and continuity for the benefit of city life.
Comments