Dozens of trees in the city are being inoculated to protect them from catching a deadly disease.

Around 200 elm trees across Brighton and Hove were treated yesterday, May 23 and more will be inoculated today, May 24.

Brighton and Hove City Council has chosen 199 elms located in Royal Pavilion Garden, Valley Gardens and The Level to receive the treatment.

It is also treating the remaining Preston Park twin. The other elm from the Preston Park 'twins' had to be destroyed due to elm disease in 2021. 

The treatment makes it possible to protect trees from elm disease for one year and when administered annually, for years to come.

The council is using an organic product called Dutch Trigg to inoculate the trees, which is injected directly into the trunks of elm trees using a specialist tool.

The tool is designed so that the newest growth ring in the tree trunk can be pierced without damaging older rings which prevents the spores of previous infections being released and infecting the tree again.

This method of inoculation ensures a direct uptake by the tree, the council said.

The trees must be treated in spring before their leaves reach full growth and the beetles carrying the deadly elm tree killing fungus emerge.

Tree specialists Bartlett Tree Experts will be carrying out the work.

Elms remain the dominant tree across the city with an estimated growing population of more than 17,000, despite the population being hit hard by elm disease in recent years, which has seen many removed to prevent further spread.

A council spokesman said: “Each summer, our arboriculture team faces a battle across the city against the tiny beetles carrying elm disease.

“The disease spreads very fast so the removal of infected trees is done as quickly as possible to control the infection spreading further to neighbouring trees.

“Tackling elm disease has become harder over the last few years for several reasons.

“One of the most common ways for a tree to become infected is via beetles breeding on elm logs stored in the area.

“These logs are likely to have been brought in from other parts of Sussex where there has been a massive rise in elm disease infection and subsequent logs becoming available.

“In recent years, there has also been a rapid increase in the number of wood-burning stoves being used in the area, increasing the risk of contaminated wood coming into the city.

“We ask residents not to buy any logs if the supplier cannot guarantee that the wood isn't elm. We also ask you not bring any elm timber into the city for use as garden ornaments, seating or anything else.

“Our arboriculture team offers a free inspection of firewood and other timber. If the wood is elm, we’ll dispose of it and give you a similar quantity free of charge.

“We also ask residents to let us know about any elm tree they spot with leaves turning from green to yellow or brown or with a scorched look in spring and report any dead trees you see around the city.”

If you are concerned about an elm tree, contact the council by emailing elmdisease@brighton-hove.gov.uk.