Drought stress and pests “too much for some tree species”

Wednesday 03 August 2022

The survival of Guernsey’s trees is under threat; from the heat, pests and newly introduced diseases.

Local charity, Guernsey Trees for Life (GTFL), is raising awareness of the dangers facing trees in Guernsey, following a period of extreme heat.

“Guernsey's trees are under increasing threat from a veritable armada of pests and diseases which are new to the island,” said the charity.

“Several examples have already taken hold here such as Ash dieback, which was first recorded in Guernsey in 2018 and has since spread rapidly across the island and Sweet chestnut blight, found for the first time in the island just last month. 

“Both of these tree diseases join the lengthening list of several other pests and diseases which have already established themselves, such as Dutch Elm disease and Horse chestnut leaf miner with several more waiting in the wings.”

Pictured: Dutch elm disease at Delancey Park.

The charity says the problem is “twofold”. One being the increase in world trade that has “ramped up the rate of introductions of new pests and diseases”.

Secondly, the hotter and drier summers are providing to be incredible stressful to some tree species.

“So, what can we to do in the face of such threats? [Firstly] ensure that we maintain and enhance our vigilance through plant health controls and applying biosecurity protocols to prevent the introduction and spread of novel pests,” said the charity, and “keep planting a diversity of native trees!”

The GTFL will have a stand at the upcoming West Show to promote its schemes.