Search Observatree

Pests and diseases

Bronze Birch Borer

Native to North America, this wood boring bupestrid beetle is a serious pest to birch trees.

Blog

Volunteering to help our trees!

This Plant Health Week, Rebecca, our Observatree volunteer manager celebrates the achievements of our wonderful volunteers.

Rebecca Gosling  •  09 May 2022

Blog

Observatree Volunteers successes with Zoom

The first national lockdown in 2020 prevented the annual face to face training events for Observatree volunteers from taking place. As an alternative, a valuable series of technical webinars on pests and diseases, delivered by staff from across the Observatree partnership, were held instead. 

Richard Churchman & Paul Gill  •  02 Mar 2021

Pests and diseases

Agrilus fleischeri

Native to Asia, this beetle can infest poplar and willow trees with the beetles emerging from spring onwards.

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 - Birch

This month Matt Parratt takes a look at Birch trees (Betula species) and their associated bronze birch borer.

Matt Parratt  •  20 Feb 2025

Blog

Host of the month - Birch

For this month Matt Parratt discusses birch (Betula species) and potential issues with Bronze birch borer.

Matt Parratt  •  19 Feb 2026

Blog

British cedars under attack?

Recently, cedars have been considered as an alternative forestry species, learn about how Sirococcus tsugae threatens this species.

Ana Perez-Sierra  •  16 Feb 2016

Pests and diseases

Phytophthora lateralis

Discovered in the UK in 2010, Phytophthora lateralis is a fungus-like plant pathogen that attacks the roots of Lawson cypress trees.

Blog

On the Road with Observatree: Summer Training Highlights

Following a wonderful summer season of training, Vicky Bolton, the Citizen Science Officer for Observatree, summarises some of the highlights for us. 

Vicky Bolton  •  14 Aug 2025