Acute Oak Decline

Acute Oak Decline (AOD) affects native oak trees in Britain and can cause their death.

It is a relatively new disease that first made its presence in the UK 30-35 years ago. Acute Oak Decline mostly effects pedunculate or English oak (Quercus robur) and sessile oak (Quercus petraea).

Trees that are affected by AOD produce vertical, weeping fissures that ooze black fluid down their trunks. A lesion then forms in the live tissue beneath this "stem bleed". This is a sign of decay and many trees die 4-6 year after the onset of symptoms.

Woodland Heritage have helped launch the Action Oak initiative to help raise awareness and research this killer disease. You can make a donation directly to us, or Action Oak.