Reminder for landowners to check their ash trees

Thousands of diseased ash trees on private and public land have been identified as in need of removal due to safety concerns, particularly around highways.

The trees are infected with ash dieback disease or showing other defects, and if not removed they are at risk of collapsing on to roads, causing disruption and potential harm.

The council has a duty to ensure that no trees under its control put people or property at unreasonable risk and the same applies to private landowners and trees on their land. 

In October 2025, the council launched an interactive map showing ash trees located near main highways and their current condition, to inform landowners if they need to take action.

Surveys will start up again in May and more trees will be added to the map continuously.

A dedicated web page also includes information and guidance to help landowners understand if they have affected trees on their land, even if they are not located near to a highway, what their legal responsibilities are and who they can contact for more support.  

Ash tree leaves generally begin to emerge in April with trees normally being in full leaf between May and September, making it the best time to look for signs of ash dieback. 

The council has removed nearly 3,000 trees on its land so far and close to 4,000 trees have been planted this past winter season as a replacement.

With more planting planned for next winter, Leeds City Council plans to plant five trees for each one that is removed on council land. 

Ash dieback is a fungal disease that blocks water and nutrient transport, which can rapidly weaken trees, leaving them brittle and susceptible to secondary infections, and will significantly alter the UK's landscape and biodiversity.

Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said: “Our teams have worked very hard to identify thousands of trees near to highways that are currently in need of felling. These can all be seen on the interactive map, which will be continuously updated as we continue our survey.

“Just like the council has a responsibility to manage trees on our land, we want to remind residents that landowners have that same responsibility on theirs.

“With ash trees being in full leaf from May it is the perfect time to look for signs of ash dieback on your land.”

The website for more information can be found here. The interactive map can be viewed here.

ENDS