SPRUCE tree planting is to be banned indefinitely in large swathes of England after further findings of Ips typographus.
Forestry officials will enforce the measures in the demarcated areas of the South East and East Anglia, with counties including Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Kent affected.
However, Christmas tree growing (up to three metres in height) and the growing of spruce trees - from the genus Picea A.Dietr - on nursery sites for trade will be broadly permitted within the zones.
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Forestry Commission head of plant health, forestry, Andrea Deol said: “Ips typographus can have a serious impact on spruce trees, and so restricting spruce planting in some areas of East and South East England ahead of the tree-planting season will help with our ongoing eradication efforts.
“All landowners, managers and timber processors are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any sightings of the pest via our Tree Alert Portal.”
Forestry Journal has been told the prohibition on spruce planting has no definite timeline, but will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.
The new restrictions come after further findings this year, including the first UK finding of Ips typographus on Sitka spruce in July.
Ips typographus is a serious pest of spruce trees in Europe and was first identified in the UK in 2018. These incursions are occurring in England as the beetle is blown over from the continent. The pest prefers stressed or dying trees but, under the right conditions, it can attack healthy trees.
The new requirements come into force on 29 October across the existing demarcated area in the South East of England and East Anglia prohibiting the planting of spruce trees. Areas affected include parts of Lincolnshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Hampshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Surrey, Greater London, Sussex, Kent and Essex
Defra chief plant health officer, professor Nicola Spence, said: “Pest and pathogens present a great risk for our biosecurity and, in particular, Ips typographus has the potential to cause significant damage to Great Britain’s forestry and timber industries.
“These new restrictions are part of continued action to limit the spread of the beetle and protect our nation’s trees and forest industries. All landowners and land managers should check the health of spruce trees on their land and take swift action to deal with any susceptible material.”
Existing restrictions remain in place to limit the spread of the pest through timber movement, by requiring pre-notification and authorisation by the Forestry Commission of any felling and movement of susceptible material within the demarcated area.
Christmas tree growers in the affected area can continue to grow an unlimited number of spruce trees up to three metres in height above the root collar before authorisation is required.
Full guidance can be found here.
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