Ash Dieback and Tree Diseases: What Galway Landowners Must Watch For

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If you look at the hedgerows across County Galway, you will notice a worrying trend: bare, skeletal trees standing amongst the green. This is Ash Dieback (Hymenoscyphusfraxineus), a fungal disease that is decimating Ireland’s native Ash population.

For farmers and landowners in Galway, this is not just an ecological tragedy; it is a serious safety hazard. As the disease progresses, the timber becomes brittle and unstable, turning once-strong trees into ticking time bombs. At JB Property Maintenance, we are on the front lines of this crisis. Here is what you need to know to protect your land and the public.

1. How to Spot Ash Dieback

Early detection is key. Look for these signs, especially in summer:

Blackened Leaves: Leaves turn black and wilt but stay on the branch.
Diamond Lesions: Dark, diamond-shaped sores appear on the bark where branches join the trunk.
Crown Dieback: The top of the tree becomes bare and skeletal while the lower branches remain green.

2. The “Brittle Timber” Danger

Unlike a healthy tree that bends in the wind, a tree with Ash Dieback becomes incredibly brittle. It doesn’t slowly rot; it snaps.

The Risk: Heavy branches can fall without warning, even on calm days.
Climbing Danger: These trees are often unsafe for tree surgeons to climb. We frequently have to use Cherry Pickers (MEWPs) or cranes to dismantle them safely from the outside, as the trunk cannot support a climber’s weight.

3. Your Legal Responsibility (The Roads Act)

If you own land bordering a public road, the Roads Act 1993 states that you are responsible for the safety of the trees. If a diseased Ash tree from your land falls onto the road and causes an accident, you are liable. Galway County Council frequently issues notices to landowners to cut hazardous roadside trees. Do not ignore this.

4. Replacement Planting: Looking to the Future

Removing an Ash tree is sad, but it is an opportunity to replant resilient species. Galway’s climate suits many alternatives that are resistant to current diseases:

Oak: Slow growing but majestic and strong.
Sycamore: incredibly hardy against salt winds.
Hawthorn: Perfect for rebuilding hedgerow gaps left by removed Ash. We don’t just cut; we advise on what to plant next to restore your boundary.

If you have Ash trees on your property, especially near roads or houses, you need a professional assessment now. Ignoring Ash Dieback will only make the removal more dangerous and expensive later.

Book a health check. Contact JB Property Maintenance for expert Ash Dieback removal in Galway.

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