Sooty Bark Disease Identified in Orchard Fields Sycamore

Sooty Bark Disease is a fungal infection affecting primarily sycamore trees. Although the disease has been present in the UK for many years, prolonged periods of hot, dry weather can trigger its development in already stressed trees. Infected trees display wilting, crown dieback and peeling bark, exposing the distinctive black, soot-like fungal spores. The disease can lead to the death of the infected tree and the spores also proving a respiratory health risk to humans.

Managing diseases such as sooty bark requires a considered approach including the regular monitoring of trees, particularly following periods of drought. Where disease is suspected, specialist assessment can help determine the most appropriate course of action. Careful removal is often necessary, with appropriate precautions to protect both those carrying out the work and the public.

The Fitzwilliam Malton Estate manages more than 250 individual trees within Malton (outside its woodland holdings) and takes a proactive approach to their management with both public safety and the retention of valuable trees being priorities.

Sadly, the Estate has recently identified Sooty Bark Disease in one of our iconic and much-loved mature sycamore trees in Orchard Fields. This tree has been nursed over the years with the help of our tree surgeon David Bayes. Unfortunately, this signals the loss of this particular tree to protect public safety and to minimise the spread of the disease: protecting both our communities and the wider landscape.

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