Tree Pest and Disease Control: Restore and Maintain Your Tree's Health

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  Edited by Ali Lijee

  Edited by Ali Lijee

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Ali Lijee is the founder and CEO of TreeMend, with over a decade of experience in tree care and maintenance. He has a strong interest in helping tree surgeons and arborists leverage the power of the internet through content creation and digital marketing. His work has been referenced by MSN, Yahoo, AOL, and more. This article was checked on 03/01/2025 for accuracy. Learn more or report an error.

Have you been looking for “tree pest and disease control” in the UK? Look no further than TreeMend for professional tree care services to restore the health of your beloved tree.

Our platform makes it quick and easy to connect with professional tree surgeons and arborists in the UK who provide tree pest and disease control services as well as a wide range of tree care services designed to keep your tree healthy and your property looking fantastic.

Discover more about tree pest and disease control with our comprehensive guide below.

Table of contents

• What is tree pest and disease control?
• Why are tree pest and disease control needed?
• Types of tree pests and diseases
• Common tree pest and disease control techniques
• Professional tree pest and disease control vs DIY: how to decide
• How to get tree pest and disease control near you
• Tree pest and disease control in the UK: frequently asked questions
• Get tree pest and disease control today

What is tree pest and disease control?

Trees form an essential symbiosis with humans. The oxygen we breathe comes from trees, whereas the carbon dioxide we exhale is absorbed by them. Just like us, trees can get sick and can be prone to pathogens, fungal and bacterial. They can also be prone to noxious pests, which can harm or even kill a tree.

It’s important to remember that trees don’t live alone in an environment; they’re part of a larger ecosystem and often share the same soil and air as many other types of vegetation, wildlife, and insects. Many of these are actually good or neutral, and some are even protected. A few, however, are harmful to trees.

Tree pest and disease control are processes directed at the protection of trees from harmful pathogens and insects which could harm or kill one or more trees. It encompasses many different strategies, ranging from disease and pest prevention and diagnosis, pest management strategies, responsive control measures, and more.

While the goal of pest and disease control is often to protect one or more trees, often on a homeowner’s property, it usually indirectly involves the preservation of biodiversity and ecosystem health in a broader context.

Tree surgeons in the UK often do not provide pest and disease control services. Normally, these services are provided by arboricultural consultants and professional arborists with extensive education on tree biology, biosecurity, and knowledge on how to diagnose and treat various tree species.

Why are tree pest and disease control needed?

Pest and disease control are sometimes needed to improve the health and vitality of one or more trees or to protect the soil or surrounding vegetation against the spread of pests or diseases. Below are some of the most important reasons to retain an arboricultural professional for tree pest and disease control:

• Preventative tree care: routine tree assessments and proactive treatment can reduce the need for costlier and more laborious treatments if disease is permitted to spread.
• Treating life-threatening pests and diseases: often, tree pest and disease control are needed reactively and can be the only ways of saving the life of a tree and allowing it to get back to good health.
• Disease has spread to surrounding vegetation: some pests and diseases can spread out from the tree, affecting the roots and surrounding vegetation. Pest and disease control can be effective means of containing their spread.
• Pest/disease has rotted away or killed the tree: if a tree has succumbed to illness, pest and disease control are still useful for eliminating the spread of the illness and perhaps saving surrounding vegetation.
• Tree planting and relocation: practical methods of pest and disease control can be extremely useful when tree planting or tree relocation services are needed, particularly for biosecurity to ensure that any newly-planted trees are not tracking pests or diseases.

Benefits of tree pest and disease control

Proper tree pest and disease control measures can greatly benefit trees, but it can also benefit the ecosystem in which the tree lives. Here are a few common benefits of pest and disease control:

• Improving tree vitality: diagnosing and then treating pest and disease issues in trees can greatly improve their health and vitality.
• Eradication of problematic pests and diseases: proper application of pest and disease control measures can eliminate pest infestations and fungal and bacterial infections.
• Improving health of soil and surrounding vegetation: by eliminating certain pests and/or diseases, the spread can be contained and the soil and surrounding vegetation can be left safe and healthy.
• Better than tree removal: the UK government and arboricultural associations strongly recommend against tree felling unless absolutely necessary, so treating trees can be an excellent alternative that spares the need for tree removal.
• Enhancing the overall appearance of the tree: of course, a healthy tree will probably look notably better when its pests/diseases have been removed, bearing vibrant fruit/foliage and beautifying your property.

Tree pest and disease control measures are amongst the most important tree care services for maintaining a tree’s health and vitality

Types of tree pests and diseases

Thousands of insects, birds, rodents, and other wildlife inhabit our trees and they certainly attract many types of fungi and other natural vegetation, but most of these are either neutral or good for the tree. Some are dangerous, however.

According to Forestry England, there are around 350 pests that can affect trees, and around 168 of 454 (37%) of Europe’s native species are at risk of extinction. Pests and diseases vary depending on the tree’s species and specific circumstances regarding the tree itself, but we’ve listed below some of the more common ones recorded in the UK.

A comprehensive list of all present recorded - or at threat of entering - tree pests and diseases can be found through the Forestry Commission along with detailed guidance information on each.

Tree pests and diseases already present in the UK

Some of the most common tree pests and diseases found in the UK include:

Tree pests and diseases not yet present in the UK

Some of the tree pests and diseases at risk of entering the UK as of autumn 2018 include:

Other pests and diseases that may arrive in the UK

According to the UK government’s guidance on tree pests and diseases, many new threats may emerge which could cause tremendous harm and bear enormous costs not only financially but - perhaps more importantly - to our environment.

With globalism and trade, it’s never been easier to buy fresh mangoes from South America, fine cheeses from France, and electronics from China. One unfortunate consequence of global trade, however, is that it poses a large vector of entry for insects, pests, and bacteria which could spread and ravage trees and wildlife.

These sorts of pests and fungi/bacteria can (relatively easily) enter UK ports of entry through product packaging, imported plants and plant material, wood, vehicles, holidaymaker luggage, or even the soil on your shoes.

There are hundreds of pests and diseases in the UK that can affect our trees and the environment

Common tree pest and disease control techniques

Tree pest and disease control techniques and methods vary widely due to various factors. The tree’s species, soil conditions, surrounding vegetation, and the type of pest/disease identified will all dictate which type of treatment may be the most effective.

For this reason, arborists will commonly carry out tree surveys and assessments to determine the status of the tree and to identify the presence and spread of specific pests and/or diseases.

Generally, pest and disease control measures fall under a few broad categories as listed below and arborists may use a combination of them to restore the tree to good health.

Cultural management

Cultural management entails all of the changes one can make to the tree’s immediate surroundings (i.e. your property) to make it an unwelcome place for pests to call home and for diseases to take hold. Think about it as a proactive means of promoting good health so that reactive pest and disease control treatments are unnecessary (as much as possible).

Here are some of the ways in which tree surgeons, arborists, or even homeowners themselves can achieve this:

• Select the most suitable species: whenever possible, try to choose native British tree species that are already well-adapted and evolved for the British climate. Imported trees from Asia, Africa, America, or elsewhere could be particularly vulnerable if planted here.
• Plant your tree in optimal conditions: the soil should be well-catered to the tree’s species, with generous distance from other trees and vegetation, away from building foundations and ideally a little ways away from boundary lines. Make sure it isn’t blocked from receiving sunlight and rainfall.
• Encourage diversity of vegetation: monocultural orchards and tree planting is unnatural and can allow pests/diseases to thrive. Diversify your garden with various types of vegetation. Many tree species pair well with other species because they ward off certain types of infestations.
• Water your tree regularly: routine watering around the base of the tree may sometimes be needed to keep it healthy. The roots depend on water and nutrients in the soil to remain healthy.
• Disinfect tree care tools: whenever pruning your tree or removing deadwood, always disinfect your chainsaw, secateurs, loppers, or any other tool used to cut limbs. Tree wounds need to heal and they can be quite vulnerable to fungal or bacterial infections while the wound is fresh.
• Add mulch around the tree base: apply fresh, healthy, and nutrient-rich mulch around the base of the tree, a couple of inches deep and a couple of feet away from the trunk (for big trees). As the mulch biodegrades, it fills the soil and feeds the root system below.

Mechanical/physical management

Even with proper cultural management, occasional physical intervention may be required or desired. Mechanical management of tree pests and diseases involves all sorts of physical methods of caring for the tree so that it can retain its vitality.

The most commonly recommended tree care service, which is also great for pest and disease control, is tree pruning. Routine pruning should include deadwood removal, pruning away of branches too close to one another, or any limbs that appear to be diseased or attracting noxious pests.

Felled trees can also pose a threat… well, the stump can, anyway. Honey fungus disease is a particularly nasty one that can feast on the dying stump and infect the root system and spread to other vegetation. Professional stump grinding and root removal (or for living trees root pruning) can be effective ways of removing habitats for pests and diseases.

Of course, one physical method of removing pests is to knock them off by hand into a bucket of soapy water and to kill them. This may be unpleasant and it may not ensure that they’re all exterminated, however, so more professional methods may be necessary.

Biological treatment

When it comes to directly treating tree pests and diseases, often the preferred first method of treatment is biological rather than chemical. Biological treatment involves introducing other types of insects (good ones) which can prey on and eliminate the pests (bad ones).

Biological pest and disease control is the safest and often most effective way to deal with common tree pests and diseases. It’s widely used by arboricultural consultants in the UK and completely natural since all that’s being done is essentially releasing natural means of controlling the spread of infestations without the need for harsh chemical products.

This is particularly useful for orchard owners and farmers in the UK who wish to advertise and sell organic products. Increasingly, consumers are more and more cautious about the use of chemical sprays on organic products, so treating tree ailments with biological methods can allow you to continue selling completely chemical-free fruit.

Chemical treatment

Chemical insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and antibiotics can all be highly effective means of treating tree pests and diseases. Although they’re highly effective, they should only be used as a last resort if all of the above methods of managing pests/diseases have been attempted.

Copper fungicide, acetamiprid, thiacloprid, deltamethrin, pyrethrum, poison traps, or complete fumigation may all be effective at dealing with specific types of infestations. The type of chemical treatment used must always be considered carefully and, importantly, it must be adequate for the type of ailment, i.e. pest infestation, fungal infection, bacterial infection.

There are many proactive and reactive methods of dealing with tree pests and diseases

Professional tree pest and disease control vs DIY: how to decide

Due to the myriad types of pests and diseases that may affect certain tree species, reactive methods of tree pest and disease control should always be left to qualified professional arboricultural consultants in the UK.
Proactive methods of ensuring tree health and vitality such as tree pruning, deadwood removal, and crown reduction are all commonly carried out for other reasons; pest and disease control is just one of many benefits that property owners may enjoy.

When it comes to caring for your tree, such as watering it well and adding mulch around the base, you can certainly DIY these types of tasks and they can all contribute to healthier trees and less need for more drastic treatments later on.

Tree pest and disease control is typically best left to qualified arboricultural consultants; however, pruning and general tree care can be done by tree surgeons near you

How to get tree pest and disease control near you

If you’ve noticed that your tree looks a little sickly or has the telltale signs of a spreading disease, or if you’ve discovered pests inhabiting your tree, you may need professional tree pest and disease control near you.

In many cases, early treatment is the best cure. Tree pruning, crown reduction, and tree stump grinding are all common services provided by tree surgeons. While pest and disease control may not be the primary reason to call a tree surgeon, these sorts of tasks can greatly improve the health of your tree and reduce the need for costlier treatments later on.

More intensive treatments can be administered by qualified professional arboriculturalists with the requisite education and training in arboriculture. Tree surgeons and arborists can be conveniently found right here at TreeMend.

Get no-obligation quotes for tree pest and disease control near you by using TreeMend

Tree pest and disease control in the UK: frequently asked questions

How much do pest and disease control services cost?

The price of pest and disease control services from a professional arborist in the UK can vary significantly and as such, it’s always best to request a quote beforehand and to consider all of your options. If you’ve detected a pest infestation or fungal or bacterial disease affecting your tree or other vegetation on your property, it’s best to act early as this can often be much cheaper and help contain the spread.

What is the most common disease for trees?

The most common disease for trees in the UK is perhaps Ash Dieback. This fungal infection is also known as hymenoscyphus fraxineus and could kill around 80% of ash trees in the UK, costing an estimated £15 billion. Unfortunately, it is spreading to nearly all parts of the UK and is indiscriminate in the types of ash trees it affects.

What does a tree with a disease look like?

There are many possible telltale signs that a tree is diseased. If the tree’s canopy is defoliated prematurely or bears far less foliage/fruit than it should, the tree bears needles/leaves with dark spots or unusual colours, or there are odd shapes to them, the tree could be diseased.

What is the best way to treat tree disease?

The best way to treat tree disease is to not allow it to take hold in the first place. Proactive management and tree care such as pruning and deadwood removal greatly help reduce the chances of fungal or bacterial diseases from affecting the tree. In terms of proactive treatments, chemical treatments are often the fastest and most effective, but biological treatments should always be used first.

Can you save a tree from disease?

Some of the most common ways to save a tree from disease include frequent pruning of infected branches, removal of deadwood, pruning of branches which rub together, and pruning away cracked or damaged branches. Biological and chemical treatments may be necessary for certain types of disease control.

How do you treat tree root disease?

Tree root disease such as honey fungus disease can spread through the roots and soil and affect surrounding vegetation. Chemical treatments may be necessary for some root diseases, but sometimes complete tree felling and removal are the only feasible options to contain the spread.

How to save a tree with fungus?

Fungal diseases can be particularly dangerous, but many fungicides can be highly effective at treating and curing the tree. Pruning away diseased branches and applying biological or chemical fungicides can restore the tree to good health, but in some cases complete removal and remedial treatment of the soil and surrounding vegetation may be necessary.

What is copper fungicide used for?

Copper fungicide is a commonly used method of treatment for fungal (and sometimes bacterial) diseases that affect trees and other vegetation. It is a proactive method of treatment, so it must be applied beforehand.

What is the best antifungal for trees?

The best antifungal treatments for trees include copper fungicide containing sulphate, in terms of efficacy. Generally, biological treatments should be attempted before resorting to chemical treatments, but in some cases chemical treatments such as copper fungicide are necessary.

What causes fungus on trees?

Fungus can grow on trees because of infection, usually caused by airborne spores, mycelial spores brought to the tree by insects, or from wounds. Tree wounds from pruning are common, but large tree wounds (and thus, pruning away large branches) should be avoided and tools should always be sterilised to avoid infecting the tree via the wound.

Get tree pest and disease control today

For effective tree pest and disease control near you, look no further than TreeMend. We’ve partnered with hundreds of tree surgeons and arborists in the UK who provide dependable tree care services, including tree pruning, deadwood removal, and much more. Some of our member partners are certified arboricultural professionals capable of conducting tree health assessments and providing expert tree pest and disease control treatments for your tree(s).