Rogue traders in scam to fell ash trees in dieback scare
Rogue traders are playing on the fear surrounding ash
dieback disease by felling trees unnecessarily in homeowners'
gardens.
Kent trading standards chiefs have issued a warning after cowboy
tree fellers incorrectly advised people that - because of the
spread of the killer tree disease - the ash tree in their garden
had to be felled or pruned.
The disease causes leaf loss and dieback in affected trees and
,depending on the age of the tree, can lead to tree death.
Tree owners don't need to take any particular steps, such as
felling the infected ash tree, unless a statutory Plant Health
Notice has been served on the owner.
A Plant Health Notice can be issued by the Forestry Commission
or other plant health authority.
Once infected, trees cannot be cured, but not all trees die of
the infection.
Kent Trading Standards advises consumers to be wary when dealing
with traders at their door.
22/02/13
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