Thousands of trees could perish as victims of a deadly fungus currently sweeping the nation
Almost 9,450 in Hackney could fall foul of ash dieback disease, which has already claimed more than 100,000 infected specimens in the UK and many more across Europe.
Hackney Council say teams are currently checking leaves for signs of infection.
During the past few weeks, ash trees across the UK have been plagued by Chalara Fraxinea – or ash dieback – and the fungus is said to have reached the area around London.
A Hackney Council spokesperson said its arboricultural department is monitoring ash trees within the borough’s parks and open spaces for signs of ash dieback and said the trees made up less than 10 per cent of those managed by the council in the borough.
She added: “We are currently checking leaf material and will quarantine infected leaves if necessary to prevent spread.”
The government recently announced a ban on the import of ash trees. Anyone who thinks they have spotted an infected tree can call the Forestry Commission on 08459 33 55 77.
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