The Rising Threat to Tree Health in 2025, Why Tree Surveys Matter More Than Ever

Andrew Davies
Nov 11
3 min read

Protecting your landscape, your investment, and our shared environment

In recent years, the UK’s trees have faced growing pressure, not from the chainsaw, but from invisible threats creeping in through climate change, pests, and diseases. As professional tree surveyors, we’re seeing more and more clients ask the same question: “How can I protect my trees before it’s too late?”

The truth is, 2025 has brought some serious challenges, and awareness is key to protecting both safety and biodiversity.

Why Tree Health is a Growing Concern

According to the latest Woodland Trust “State of the UK’s Woods and Trees 2025” report, our tree populations are under increasing stress from multiple fronts:

New pests and diseases are establishing faster than ever. Recent Forestry Commission data shows that three new pests or diseases have become established in England over the past decade.
Climate change is amplifying the problem. Warmer winters and wetter summers create ideal conditions for fungal pathogens and invasive insects to spread.
Tree diversity is declining. Many woodlands still rely on a limited number of species, making them more vulnerable to widespread damage if a pest targets one species.

The combination of these factors means trees that once stood strong for centuries are now at greater risk than ever before.

The Pests and Diseases to Watch in 2025

Here are a few that are currently causing the most concern across the UK:

Ash Dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus) : continues to devastate ash populations, with over 80% of trees predicted to be lost in some regions.
Oak Processionary Moth : spreading northwards, this pest poses risks not just to trees but also to public health.
Phytophthora species (root rots) : a silent killer affecting a wide range of trees and shrubs.
Elm Zigzag Sawfly : a newer pest spotted in more UK counties this year, threatening the return of our native elms.

For landowners, councils, and developers, these aren’t distant issues, they’re local risks that can lead to costly removals, safety hazards, and ecological loss.

The Role of Tree Surveys in Managing Tree Health

A professional tree survey isn’t just about identifying hazards; it’s about safeguarding the future of your green assets. At North West Tree Management, our surveys include a detailed health assessment that can identify early signs of disease or stress long before they become visible problems.

Here’s how regular surveying helps:

Early Detection: Spotting signs of decay, fungal fruiting bodies, or leaf damage before it spreads.
Informed Management: Knowing which trees can be treated, pruned, or monitored instead of removed.
Legal Compliance: Meeting your duty of care as a landowner or manager under the Occupiers’ Liability Act.
Cost Savings: Preventing large-scale removals or damage to property caused by falling trees.

Tree health assessments are particularly vital for:

Councils managing roadside or park trees
Schools, hotels, or public spaces
Private estates or commercial developments
Anyone with trees near public areas or buildings

Protecting Our Tree Future, One Survey at a Time

Trees aren’t just scenery, they’re carbon sinks, flood defences, and homes for wildlife. By keeping them healthy, we’re not only protecting our environment but also ensuring safety and sustainability for the communities around them.

If you’re unsure about the health of your trees, or haven’t had a survey in the past two years, now is the time.

📧 info@northwesttreemanagement.co.uk

📞 07538 338 204