A RESIDENT is concerned for the condition of the trees in South Ayrshire and says it is strange for this time of year.

Anthony Voak from Ayr has raised concerns about the trees in the area, claiming they are a lot barer than they should be for this time of year.

Mr Voak says anyone he has voiced his concerns to has said the lack of leaves has been caused by the frost from a few months ago.

He added: “I walk the dogs in Belleisle and there two chestnut trees and they look so poorly as if they have been damaged or something like that.

“There are loads of trees about the area that look completely bare, and for this time of year it is so uncommon because we’ve had a good balance of weather, which should mean the trees have had everything they need to be blooming by now.

From Anthony’s experience of being a gardener and researching diseases close by, he believes he has an idea about what could be causing the issues.

He continued: “I understand that in Dumfries and Galloway they have a bit of an issue with larch disease, and that has caused similar issues to what we’re seeing here.

“It’s not uncommon for something like that to travel up a short distance and be found somewhere else, so I think that’s what we could be seeing here with these trees.”

A South Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “Our trees are very important to us, not only do they help cleanse the air, they are vital habitats.

“We have very few Larch trees in our public places, but we do have Ash trees that are losing their leaves due to Ash dieback which is caused by a fungus.

“Ash dieback can’t be treated, so the hope is that researchers are able to find out why some trees resist infection and then breed new trees.”

“In the meantime, we are following Forest Research advice, so trees showing signs of Ash dieback are not felled other than in the interests of public safety such as trees next to footpaths, play areas, carparks. This will allow us to identify those trees that are able to tolerate the disease. Scottish Forestry has commissioned The Tree Council to help develop Scottish guidance on the management of this disease and includes an Action Plan Toolkit to help local authorities.”