Fears over the browning of trees on the Scottish west coast have been allayed by the Forestry Commission, which says strong winds and salt air are to blame rather than disease.
Forestry Commission Scotland experts believe exceptionally strong winds and salt air on May 23 scorched trees, turning them brown.
Trees most affected are broadleaved trees and larches, with pine and other conifers scorched to a lesser extent.
Browning was reported from Dumfries and Galloway in the north to Fort William in the west.
The trees’ delicate new leaves and needles have been dried out and damaged by the winds. Other causes can include severe winter frost.
“We will be examining trees to see if the buds and twigs are still alive,” said Hugh Clayden, tree health policy adviser for Forestry Commission Scotland.
“If they are, recovery should take place this year and next. If not, some die-back of branches is likely to occur – although we would still expect most trees to recover unless they suffer further extreme events.”
