Ips Typographus update: prohibition on spruce planting for landscapers
The Forestry Commission has announced a critical update to its ongoing efforts to control the spread of Ips Typographus, also known as the Eight-Toothed Spruce Bark Beetle. Effective from 29 October 2024, a prohibition on spruce planting will be enforced across the demarcated area in southeast England and East Anglia. This measure aims to mitigate the potential spread of the pest and supports ongoing eradication efforts.
Key Restrictions and Actions
The prohibition targets all species within the Picea genus (spruce trees) and applies unless specific exemptions are met, as outlined in Notice 7 (2024). The following points summarise the Notice 7 document, however, the Association urges members to review the original document in addition to this summary provided.
Detection of Beetle Presence: A plant health inspector has confirmed the presence of Ips Typographus in several counties across England, including Norfolk, Suffolk, Kent, Surrey, East Sussex, and West Sussex.
Legal Framework: The Forestry Commissioners are empowered by regulation 17(2) of the Plant Health and Genetically Modified Organisms Regulations 2019 to issue control measures. This notice, called "Plant Health (Ips Typographus) (Demarcated Area No.7) Notice", will take effect from October 29, 2024, and replaces the earlier notice made on 5th June 2024.
Demarcated Area: Areas across various counties (such as Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Greater London, and others) are designated as "demarcated areas" where specific restrictions are applied due to the confirmed presence of the beetle.
Restrictions on Felling: Anyone intending to fell trees of susceptible species (primarily Picea A. Dietr., i.e., spruce trees) within the demarcated area must notify the Forestry Commission in advance.
Restrictions on Killing Trees: Similarly, anyone intending to kill spruce trees over three meters in height using any method (e.g., ringbarking, chemical treatments) must also notify the Forestry Commission.
Prohibition on Leaving Material in Situ: Susceptible materials like felled trees, bark, or waste wood from the genus Picea cannot be left on-site within the demarcated area unless expressly authorised by an inspector.
Prohibition on Movement of Susceptible Material: The movement of materials like spruce wood, logs, or bark either within or out of the demarcated area is prohibited unless authorised by an inspector.
Prohibition on Planting Spruce: New planting of spruce trees within the demarcated area is banned, with some exceptions for:
- Ornamental or Scientific planting
- Nursery trade
- Christmas Tree Trade
Relevant Susceptible Material: The notice defines what constitutes susceptible material, primarily any part of spruce trees over three meters in height, including wood, bark, and fallen trees, but excludes seeds, leaves, and foliage.
Commencement and Duration: These measures will begin on October 29, 2024, and will remain in effect until further notice.
Landscapers and Private Residents
- Are allowed to plant up to five Picea (spruce) trees per hectare of any height, provided the total number of established spruce trees within that hectare does not exceed five.
- There are no limits on planting dwarf spruce species, as long as they do not exceed 3 meters in height.
- Spruce planting is permitted, but certain restrictions apply. While you may request authorisation to plant more than five trees, approval is unlikely due to the availability of alternative options.
Nurseries
- Can grow an unlimited number of spruces to any height, including dwarf species/varieties. This applies to any trees grown in the ground or in pots before being sold.
- Do not need authorisation for planting trees at nursery sites
Christmas Tree Growers
- Can grow spruce, but there are restrictions for trees over 3 metres.
- Can grow an unlimited number of trees up to 3m in height above the root collar. If the trees exceed 3m an authorisation is required. This applies to any trees grown in the ground or in pots before being sold.
- Can grow any number of dwarf spruce species/varieties that will not reach 3m at maturity as no restrictions apply.
- Can request authorisation for growing trees for sale over 3m
Arboretums
Spruce trees can be grown under specific conditions:
- For scientific purposes, such as maintaining specimen collections, up to five Picea (spruce) plants of any height may be planted per hectare. However, the total number of established spruce trees in that hectare must not exceed five.
- There is no limit to the number of dwarf spruce species that can be planted, provided they do not grow taller than 3 meters.
Foresters
- Planting of spruce trees for commercial use or for timber products is not permitted within the Ips Typographus demarcated area.
- Can make a request for authorisation but it's unlikely to be approved.
Additional Comments
Exemptions from the prohibition on planting spruce are in place under the specified circumstances listed within the Notice. These include exemptions for dwarf varieties of spruce, as well as for ornamental or scientific purposes, for the purpose of trade at nursery sites or for the purpose of trade in Christmas trees. You can check eligibility for exemptions from this restriction within the Notice, by visiting GOV.UK or by speaking to Forestry Commission plant health inspector. For authorisation to plant spruce trees within the demarcated area, beyond the scope of the existing exemptions, please contact: ipstypographus.authorisation@forestrycommission.gov.uk
Ornamental planting consists of any planting of trees for the purpose of recreational use that does not have an additional function other than display, decorative or aesthetic purposes.
Planting of spruce that would be considered commercial timber planting will not be permitted within the demarcated area under authorisation. Additionally, planting of spruce for use as a nurse crop, windbreak or shelterbelt will not be permitted.
For authorisation to plant spruce trees within the demarcated area, beyond the scope of the existing exemptions, contact ipstypographus.authorisation@forestrycommission.gov.uk. Any written authorisations for exceptional circumstances are granted on a case-by-case basis and will be subject to conditions set out in an authorisation letter provided by the Forestry Commission. Please speak to the Forestry Commission to check eligibility for authorisations before applying.
Alternatives to Spruce
Replacing felled spruce with non-susceptible tree species is strongly encouraged to prevent further spread. The UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) emphasises the use of species that enhance and protect the specific characteristics of a site. Tree species should be selected based on the site's soil and climate conditions. Landowners are encouraged to choose species that are ecologically suited to the area, resilient to local pests and diseases, and adaptable to the challenges posed by climate change, such as drought and wind damage. Consulting with local Woodland Officers or professional foresters is advisable, and the Ecological Site Classification decision support tool is recommended to guide local species selection.
Responding to Storm Damage
Considering the significant storm damage caused by Isha, Jocelyn, and Kathleen in 2024, landowners, managers, and timber processors are reminded to stay vigilant for signs of Ips Typographus. Damaged spruce trees—especially those that have fallen or snapped—are at a heightened risk of infestation. Immediate removal and destruction of such trees are recommended. Methods include chipping, burning, or securely covering felled trees with a tarp to accelerate decomposition and render the wood unsuitable for beetle habitation.
For any movement of damaged spruce timber within the DMA, prior authorisation from the Forestry Commission is mandatory. Requests for movement inspections can be made via the Forestry Commission’s Ips Typographus authorisation email: Ipstypographus.authorisation@forestrycommission.gov.uk.
Reporting Sightings and Staying Informed
Forestry Commission Head of Plant Health Forestry Andrea Deol said:
“Ips Typographus can have a serious impact on spruce trees, and so restricting spruce planting in some areas of East and Southeast England ahead of the tree-planting season will help with our ongoing eradication efforts"
“All landowners, managers and timber processors are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any sightings of the pest via our Tree Alert Portal”
Defra Chief Plant Health Officer Professor Nicola Spence said:
“Pest and pathogens present a great risk for our biosecurity and, in particular, Ips Typographus has the potential to cause significant damage to Great Britain’s forestry and timber industries"
"These new restrictions are part of continued action to limit the spread of the beetle and protect our nation’s trees and forest industries. All landowners and land managers should check the health of spruce trees on their land and take swift action to deal with any susceptible material”
Landowners are encouraged to report any sightings of Ips Typographus via the Forestry Commission’s TreeAlert online portal. Comprehensive guidance on the new planting prohibition and additional measures can be accessed through the Forestry Commission’s website.
Supporting Material
The Association recommends that members access the following material to support with further understanding of Ips Typographus policy. If you are unclear on any aspect of this information, please contact us.
Ips Typographus Gov.uk Guidance
Ips Typographus: Beat the Beetle Video
