A rare tree disease first sighted in Wimbledon is damaging the tree population in South London.
Ben Penty, Andy Roberts, Tim Willams, Charlie Talbot-Smith
A rare tree disease first sighted in Wimbledon is damaging the tree population in South London.
The Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner (Cameraria Ohridella) attacks the leaf and feeds on the chlorophyll within, reducing the tree’s ability to photosynthesise.
As yet there is no cure for the disease which is rife throughout Merton – after first appearing in England on Wimbledon Common in 2002.
Steve Webster, a Putney tree surgeon, said: “It is a big problem that has been going on for the past five years.
“The horse chestnuts are not recovering and it is a big worry.”
Bio-security measures are currently being introduced by surgeons to try and halt the spread of the disease in preparation for next summer.
However, a Richmond Park spokesman said: “It is a problem that we can do nothing about.”
He urged residents to sweep up and burn any leaves affected by the pests, a method already employed by Bushy Park rangers whose trees have been greatly affected.
Mr Webster added: “If people spot Horse Chestnuts with brown and white blotchy leaves, please report sightings to your local tree surgeon as soon as possible.”
