AROUND 75 per cent of ash trees in Glasgow could be infected with ash dieback - amid plans to cut down hundreds of them in the city. 

Council officers believe as many as 90,000 of the local authority's 125,000 ash might have the fungal infection, which could wipe out 80 per cent of all ash trees in the UK. 

It is thought about 35,000 could pose a high risk in busy areas in Glasgow such as schools, sports pitches, leisure centres, parks and roads among other places.

READ MORE: Ash dieback is most costly fungus to UK's economy

A council officer told a meeting this week: “Our focus is on managing our estate and trees and managing them safely and reducing the environmental impact of the decline.”

A council report said tree officers inspected 1,777 ash trees between January 2021 and March 2023 with areas of high footfall prioritised.

A total of 545 trees were inspected in Queen’s Park, 108 in Glasgow Green, 129 in Bellahouston Park, 63 in Cardonald Cemetery and 137 in Alexandra Park.

Another 52 trees were also examined in Kelvingrove, 60 in Peat Road, 183 in Ruchill Park, 111 in Springburn Park and 389 elsewhere. There are 756 recommended for removal, 73 for pruning and 483 for re-inspection.

A total of 218 Ash trees were removed from priority areas between April last year and May 2023.

Officers are also providing ongoing inspection for 505 ash trees located in primary schools, 92 on Great Western Road, 292 in Pollok Country Park, 209 in River Kelvin Walkway and 38 in Carmunnock Road among other locations including cemeteries and parks.

READ MORE: Oldest tree in Glasgow Botanic Gardens felled due to Ash dieback disease

Surveys have been carried out using technology to determine the condition of trees on roads with 6,780 diseased ones found and in parks drones discovered 540 with ash dieback.

The council is considering hiring a contractor to help cut down the trees.

It is estimated there are about 2500,000 ash trees in Glasgow – with 125,000 on council land.

The Environment and Liveable Neighbourhoods City Policy Committee were given an update on the actions being taken to handle ash dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus) in Glasgow this week. Ash is the third most common tree in the city, the meeting heard.

Councillor Abdul Bostani (SNP) queried if the trees could be cured and asked how many would be lost. He said: “Losing a lot of trees in the city is very concerning.”

A council officer told him there is no cure or solution apart from pruning or removal.

He said about 75 per cent of the 125,000 Ash trees on council land potentially had the disease and it is a “huge challenge.”

Officers are considering what to do with felled timber.