Leicester Tree Strategy Review

3. Responding to global obligations

Respond appropriately and proportionately to the threat of pests and disease epidemics

Measured by	Lead responsibility	Current position
Monitor the impact of Ash Dieback.	Trees and Woodlands Team	Ash dieback disease is already having a significant impact on the tree stock in the city. Nationally the disease has been under reported and public awareness is still low. It is now clear that this tree epidemic will have a significant impact on ash tree deaths within the city (estimated at 80% – 90%). 2021/22: 10 infected ash trees felled. 2022/23: 265 infected ash trees felled. As the disease takes hold these numbers will rise significantly over the coming years. The council’s Ash Dieback Action Plan will be used to manage the risks associated with this disease over the next ten years. An online information page is available with details about the disease, ash trees in the city, and management information.
Through tree surveys identify concerns on tree stock health and condition, and review each site for potential pathogens.	Trees and Woodlands Team	Western Park Phases 1 & 2 project works were completed in February 2023. This was to fell trees infected with Phytophthora and Needle Blight. A comprehensive replacement planting programme was undertaken.

Recycle materials that arise from the management of trees (including the use of woodchip as a carbon-neutral fuel and mulch) as weed suppressant at council sites.

Measured by	Lead responsibility	Current position
Volume of material diverted from landfill and recycled.	Trees and Woodlands Team	By diverting by-product waste from landfill, costs of approximately £950,000 per annum have been avoided on landfill and transportation costs. Woodchip is recycled for biofuel. Woodchip is also used as a mulch for weed suppression at council sites. 900 tonnes recycled in 2022/23 (100%).
Volume of material diverted from landfill and recycled.	Trees and Woodlands Team	By diverting by-product waste from landfill, costs of £115k per annum have been avoided on landfill costs and transporting costs. Woodchip is recycled for biofuel. Recycled by tonnage/total sale value/percentage recycled 1,000 tonnes recycled in 2021/22 (100%)

Measured by

Lead responsibility

Current position

Volume of material diverted from landfill and recycled.

Trees and Woodlands Team

By diverting by-product waste from landfill, costs of approximately £950,000 per annum have been avoided on landfill and transportation costs. Woodchip is recycled for biofuel.

Woodchip is also used as a mulch for weed suppression at council sites.

900 tonnes recycled in 2022/23 (100%).

Volume of material diverted from landfill and recycled.

Trees and Woodlands Team

By diverting by-product waste from landfill, costs of £115k per annum have been avoided on landfill costs and transporting costs. Woodchip is recycled for biofuel.

Recycled by tonnage/total sale value/percentage recycled

1,000 tonnes recycled in 2021/22 (100%)

Objective 2. Promoting habitat and wildlife Objective 4. Managing the pressure on trees in others’ ownership