Condition survey of non-woodland amenity trees - How to complete a survey

guignardia aesculi - leaf blotch fungus on horse chestnut

When to perform the survey

The survey is done annually during July and August and the completed forms need to be sent to Forest Research by the end of September.

Selecting a survey plot

To qualify for this survey, select a plot:

That contains six species of tree from a list of 17 chosen genera ^(PDF-87K)
Where at least five representatives trees of each of these six species
Within each species, all the trees that are assessed need to be around the same age, and in the same general area.

Each plot will therefore include around 30 trees although some volunteers choose to assess more.

Recording the assessment

Assess the trees on each plot using a special form. On this form you must score a number of easily recognised pests and diseases, together with non-specific symptoms of ill-health such as crown thinness. Use species-specific assessment forms if you are assessing Acer, Aesculus, Crataegus, Fagus, Ilex, Prunus, Quercus, Sorbus or Salix as there are a number of specific diseases we ask you to look out for.

Assessment forms^{(PDFs- each 120K)}
Acer
Aesculus
Crataegus
Fagus
Ilex
Prunus
Quercus
Salix
Sorbus
Blank - for other species
Instructions for completing the forms^(PDF-90K)

Assessing pests and diseases

To assist you in the assessment, you will be provided with your own copies of

"Diagnosis of Ill Health in Trees" by R.G. Strouts & T.G.Winter
A pocket photo-guide showing the particular pests and diseases that we ask you to assess as part of the survey.

Photoguide that illustrates a number of common tree pests and diseases ^(PDF-1247K).

Monitoring and advice

To help you make sure the data are assessed correctly and to provide advice on-site, a member of Forest Research will arrange a visit to each plot at least once during the five years of the current survey.

Advice is available at most other times via telephone, fax or e-mail from the addresses and numbers from the area co-ordinator in your area or from the Project Leader:

Dr Katherine Tubby
Forest Research
Alice Holt Lodge
Farnham
Surrey GU10 4LH

Tel: 01420 22255
Fax: 01420 23653
Email: katherine.tubby@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

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