Recent Ips typographus developments have prompted tree-planting restrictions from the Forestry Commission. These restrictions are in addition to existing measures following the discovery of the tree pest earlier this year. Areas of East Anglia and South East England must now comply with spruce tree planting restrictions after the bug was found to have spread after further confirmed sightings. 

New measures 

Planting restrictions for spruce trees come into force in the Demarcated Area, with landowners, businesses, and land managers being urged to follow the new requirements whilst remaining vigilant, reporting any suspected sightings.  

The tree planting restriction covers parts of Lincolnshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Hampshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Surrey, Greater London, Sussex, Kent, and Essex – the area where you must be complied with is referred to as the Demarcated Area. 

A full map of the Demarcated Area has been illustrated by the Forestry Commission. 

The new enforcement encompasses any trees from the Picea genus and follow the pest recently being found on Sitka spruce for the first time and come into force on 29 October 2024. By restricting the volume of host trees for the beetles to feed on as they blow over to the UK from mainland Europe, their spread is aiming to be contained. 

Exemptions 

Exemptions exist for what are deemed to be ‘lower risk scenarios’. Spruce trees may still be planted for ornamental and scientific purposes, grown in nurseries for trade, and planted for use as Christmas trees – but only under specific circumstances. 

Ornamental planting is permitted for aesthetic reasons, providing there are no more than five Picea plants per hectare, with the total number of established spruce in one hectare not exceeding five. Any number of dwarf spruce species that will not grow beyond three metres is allowed. 

Scientific planting is permitted providing there are no more than five Picea plants per hectare, with the total number of established spruce in one hectare not exceeding five. Any number of dwarf spruce species that will not grow beyond three metres is allowed. 

Nursery growing is permitted, with an unlimited number of spruce being allowed to be grown to any height, including dwarf varieties. 

Christmas tree planting is permitted for an unlimited number of trees up to three metres in height.  

Full details on exemptions to the new restrictions and when authorisation is required can be found in the Forestry Commission’s new infographic. 

Existing restrictions 

Measures previously put in place will remain to ensure the beetle is not spread through timber movement; more information about the existing measures and actions you should take can be found in our previous article. 

Remain vigilant 

These new preventative measures have been implemented to halt the spread of the pest, but it is vital that everyone involved in the forestry industry remains vigilant and you report any suspected sightings through TreeAlert. 

Continuing to check the health of spruce trees on your land is essential to prevent spread of the pest, and previous guidance of removing weakened or damaged trees remains. Further guidance can be found in our article. 

Useful resources 

• New restrictions to limit impact of Ips typographs tree pest (GOV.UK) 

• Demarcated Area map (Forestry Commission) 

• Spruce planting prohibition infographic – Forestry Commission) 

• Initial warning article (Woodsure) 

• Ips typographus spotted on Sitka spruce (Woodsure) 

• Government latest resources (GOV.UK) 

• Eight-toothed spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus) guidance (GOV.UK)