Introduction to Tree Health in Hedgerows and Small Woodlands

Maintaining tree health is fundamental to preserving the ecological integrity of hedgerows and small woodlands across England. Trees in these settings are not only crucial for biodiversity but also support soil stability, carbon sequestration, and contribute to the aesthetic and structural value of rural landscapes. Whether you’re a farmer, landowner, or estate manager, understanding the health of your trees is the first step to ensuring they thrive for generations.

Why Tree Health Matters for Hedgerows and Small Woodlands

Hedgerows and small woodlands serve as vital wildlife corridors, linking fragmented habitats and providing shelter and food for countless species. However, trees in these areas are increasingly threatened by various pests, diseases, and environmental stressors. Left unchecked, these threats can lead to the decline or loss of trees, with knock-on effects for the broader landscape and agricultural productivity.

Healthy trees contribute significantly to:

• Biodiversity and Ecosystem Stability: They offer nesting sites for birds, habitats for small mammals, and a food source for insects and pollinators.
• Erosion Control and Soil Health: Roots anchor the soil, preventing erosion and maintaining the soil’s nutrient cycle.
• Agricultural and Environmental Benefits: Trees in hedgerows act as windbreaks, reduce water runoff, and provide shade for livestock.

Key Threats to Tree Health in England’s Hedgerows and Small Woodlands

The health of trees in these landscapes is challenged by various factors, including:

Pests and Diseases

1. Ash Dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus): Affects ash trees, causing leaf loss and branch dieback, leading to a weakened structure and eventual death of the tree.
2. Oak Processionary Moth (OPM): Impacts oak trees, causing defoliation and presenting public health risks due to the toxic hairs of caterpillars.
3. Phytophthora ramorum: Affects larch and sweet chestnut trees, leading to extensive dieback and mortality.
4. Ips typographus (Eight-Toothed Spruce Bark Beetle): Primarily threatens spruce trees, weakening them and making them more susceptible to other diseases.
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Environmental Stressors

1. Climate extremes such as prolonged droughts, heavy rainfall, and temperature fluctuations can stress trees, making them more vulnerable to pests and diseases.
2. Poor soil health, nutrient deficiency, and inappropriate site selection also contribute to declining tree health.
3. Human Activities:
   • Poor management practices, like over-pruning or inappropriate herbicide use, can damage tree health.
   • Accidental introduction of pests and pathogens through the movement of infected plant material.

Assessing Tree Health in Hedgerows and Small Woodlands

Regular monitoring is essential to detect early signs of tree decline or disease and implement appropriate management strategies. Here’s how landowners can assess the health of their trees:

1. Visual Inspections:
   Look for signs of distress such as discoloured or wilting leaves, dieback in branches, unusual growths or fungi on the bark, and presence of insect galleries or holes.
2. Use of Professional Surveys:
   When dealing with more complex issues, such as suspected pest infestations or diseases like ash dieback, consider employing a professional tree health surveyor. The Tree Health Pilot Scheme offers grants for professional surveys, particularly for trees under Statutory Plant Health Notices (SPHN) or in proactive management areas.
3. Biosecurity Practices:
   Follow the biosecurity protocols outlined in the government’s Tree Health Pilot Scheme. Measures include cleaning tools and equipment between sites, managing visitor access, and using designated cleaning stations to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.

How to Support Tree Health in Hedgerows and Small Woodlands

Adopting a proactive management approach helps mitigate risks and maintain the health of trees. Key actions include:

1. Promote Tree Diversity:
   Plant a variety of native species to increase resilience against pests and diseases. This can also enhance the hedgerow’s or woodland’s ecological value by supporting a wider range of wildlife.
2. Implement Regular Maintenance:
   Regular pruning, removing deadwood, and applying mulch around the base of trees can improve tree health and reduce competition for nutrients. For hedgerows, periodic laying or coppicing can rejuvenate growth and improve structural integrity.
3. Use the Right Grants and Funding Options:
   The Countryside Stewardship Scheme, Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), and the Tree Health Pilot Scheme offer various grants for tree health management, hedgerow restoration, and pest and disease control. These grants can cover costs for surveys, biosecurity measures, and restocking with resilient species.

Grants Available for Tree Health Management in England

Several grant schemes are specifically designed to help landowners manage tree health:

1. Tree Health Pilot Scheme (THP):
   Provides financial support for managing trees affected by key pests and diseases like ash dieback, Phytophthora ramorum, and oak processionary moth. Funding can be used for felling, restocking, and implementing biosecurity measures.
2. Countryside Stewardship Woodland Tree Health Grants:
   Available for tree health management activities such as rhododendron clearance, chemical treatment, and infrastructure improvements.
3. Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI):
   Includes options for maintaining and monitoring hedgerows, with payments for regular assessments and biosecurity measures to ensure tree health.

Tree health management is a proactive and ongoing process that requires regular monitoring, timely interventions, and an understanding of available resources. By keeping trees healthy, landowners can ensure that hedgerows and small woodlands remain valuable landscape features that support biodiversity, contribute to farm productivity, and provide numerous environmental benefits.

For tailored advice and to explore relevant grant schemes, consider contacting the Forestry Commission or applying for a Tree Health Pilot Scheme grant to address specific tree health issues in your hedgerows or small woodlands.

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