A council has issued a warning over which logs to buy as early signs of disease are spotted in trees.

Elm disease has been found in Brighton and Hove and the city council’s tree teams are facing another battle to fight it this summer.

Residents are reminded not to buy elm logs or timber that has not been stripped of its bark and treated to prevent the spread of the disease.

Elm disease is spread by beetles which live in the bark and carry the disease through the root systems.

The council said that while residents might find it difficult to identify logs or timber, reputable suppliers will know what type of wood they are selling and should be happy to help.

Brighton and Hove City Council is also asking residents to be “an extra pair of eyes” to look out for trees which may have the disease.

Key signs to look out for are elm trees with leaves wilting or turning yellow or brown ahead of autumn.

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As part of the council’s elm disease programme, the timber is destroyed to slow the spread of the disease and minimise the threat of the elm beetle but much of it can be saved.

Around five tonnes of elm wood has been repurposed and given a second life so far.

The saved wood is debarked to make it safe to use and is then sold by Brighton and Hove Wood Recycling Project and used for making shelves, furniture and other projects.

Councillor Tim Rowkins, chairman of the city environment, South Downs and the sea committee, said: “It’s unbelievably sad to see large elm trees succumbing to disease.

“We’re proud of our world-renowned collection of trees in the city and we have a duty to protect them. This year we have begun rolling out an inoculation programme for our elms to help reduce the spread of disease in the future.

“We ask residents to only buy wood for log burners and stoves if they know it is not elm wood.”