Top tips for plant health

Caring for your plants and enjoying local trees is a great way to keep an eye on plant health close to home and if you spot anything make sure you report it.

You can also be an ambassador for biosecurity, by being aware of potential risks to plants and following some simple best practice guidelines to help avoid spreading plant disease.    

Check out these top tips to help you look after our plants and trees!

Enjoy and care for plants

Get out and about to your local woods, parks and gardens to enjoy beautiful plants and trees. Or simply enjoy and care for your own plants at home, making sure you have the right plant in the right place and checking them regularly, all helps to contribute to healthy and thriving plants.

Be an ambassador for biosecurity

Biosecurity refers to action that is taken to stop the introduction or spread of organisms harmful to human, animal and plant life. There’s lots that you can do to help keep the UK free of harmful plant pests and diseases – whether you are travelling here from other countries, professionally growing or supplying crops, plants and trees, or gardening on your allotment - so that we can all continue to enjoy the benefits that plants and trees provide.

You can be an ambassador by:

• Practicing good biosecurity when you are out and about in woodlands, parks and gardens. Doing things like making sure you clean your boots and cycling equipment can limit the spread of potentially devastating plant diseases.
• Not bringing plants or plant cuttings home from abroad - Don’t Risk It.
• Buying plants and trees from a responsible supplier who practices good biosecurity. Check the plant’s origin. Buy British grown where possible or, if a plant or tree is imported, make sure it comes from an area free from damaging pests and diseases. Consider the type of tree that would be best for a particular site – plant the right tree in the right place.

Be Vigilant

Get to know your local trees and be aware of any unusual symptoms on them. You can report any suspect findings to the Forestry Commission’s Tree Alert website.