Observatree Blog

Blog

Host of the month - Pine

Observatree Scientific Coordinator Matt Parratt discusses Pines (Pinus) and Dothistroma needle blight (DNB). 

Matt Parratt  •  09 Jul 2025

Blog

Observatree Pest and Disease Review 2024

Charles Lane and Rowan Howe from Fera Science Limited take us through Observatree's annual pest & disease review and discuss some new potential priorities going forward. 

Charles Lane  •  03 Jul 2025

Blog

Host of the month - Beech

Matt Parratt highlights Beech (Fagus sylvatica), its associated Beech leaf disease (BLD) and how to spot it.

Matt Parratt  •  19 Jun 2025

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Observatree Visit to Shibden Hall Park

Charles Lane reflects on a recent Observatree visit to Shibden Hall Park. 

Charles Lane  •  29 May 2025

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Observatree Visit to Rosliston Forestry Centre

Charles Lane reflects on a recent Observatree visit to the Rosliston Forestry Centre. 

Charles Lane  •  28 May 2025

Blog

Host of the month - Elm

For this month's host tree of interest, Matt Parratt focusses on Elm (Ulmus species) and Elm zigzag sawfly (Aproceros leucopoda).

Matt Parratt  •  15 May 2025

Blog

Plane Lace Bug: A Delicate Micro Menace Concealed in the City

On the 25^th of July 2024, a public observation was made on iNaturalist of an interesting tiny bug found on someone’s bag in central London. A scientist from Defra spotted the report and gathered more information from the informer, believing it to be a specimen of the plane lace bug (Corythucha ciliata) due to its lace-like appearance and the location of the find in central London, where London plane trees abound. 

Amirah Nigoumi  •  30 Apr 2025

Blog

Canker Stain of Plane Trees: A Silent Legacy of World War II

Canker stain of plane (caused by the fungus Ceratocystis platani) may be a rather obscure pathogen to most, but its story intertwines with one of history’s most turbulent chapters: World War II.

Duncan Allen  •  29 Apr 2025

Blog

Host of the month - Cedar

This month Matt Parratt takes a look at Cedars and Sirococcus blight.

Matt Parratt  •  17 Apr 2025

Blog

Host of the month - Oak

Matt Parratt discusses Oak (Quercus species) and Acute oak decline. 

Matt Parratt  •  20 Mar 2025