Pests & Diseases

There are rising concerns regarding the health and safety of individual and whole tree populations.Our native and non-native trees face numerous threats from new pests and diseases as well as those already established here in England.

Indicators of tree pests and diseases are a response to both biotic (environmental, physical or chemical) and abiotic factors including those from insects, fungal, bacterial or viruses. Some affect specific species, some only occur in over-mature specimens, but often several factors will combine.

JTC undertake full visual tree assessments (VTA) to aid diagnosis of structural defects. These range from visible indicators and are dependent upon species, age, past management and location. We also check for indicators of pathogens, and environmental causes of tree problems.

This non-invasive method of assessing trees is usually undertaken from ground level, looking at the whole tree as well as its component parts; root area, main stem, scaffold and secondary branches, buds and leaves.

The inspection may involve the use of binoculars, sounding mallet and probe. Sometimes JTC may recommend further examination of the tree such as aerial inspection or invasive decay detection services to determine the extent of decay present.