The Top 3 Biggest Natural Threats to Trees

Trees are the source of all life - they are essential for life on this planet and provide a home for a variety of wildlife species. They also help to create beautiful landscapes which makes for scenic walks and luscious green forest adventures.

However, trees often face a number of challenges which threaten their survival. Here is a list of the top 3 biggest threats to trees and what we can do to protect them.

1. Insects

Surprisingly, the very inhabitants that reside in trees can be the ones that cause them the most threat. Insects, despite being tiny, are often a huge factor for deforestation and destroy thousands of trees each year. So, which insects are the biggest culprits for the demolition of the trees?

Eight-Toothed Spruce Bark Beetle

This deadly beetle uses its sharp eight teeth to bore into the bark of the wood and cause damage to the tree. The damage to the bark makes it hard for the tree to transport nutrients, causing dieback of the upper branches and in severe cases, the whole tree.



This beetle is found across mainland Europe and northern Asia and poses a great threat to the trees of England.

Asian and Citrus Longhorn Beetles

One of the biggest threats to trees is the Asian and Citrus Longhorn Beetle. Although these creatures are yet to arrive in England, there is a high risk of them being imported from Asia on wooden crates within infected plants like Bonsai Trees.

These beetles feed on the wood of living trees, boring tunnels and galleries in the trunks as they feed. The tunnels created then make trees susceptible to disease and wind damage, which can be fatal for the trees.

2. High Winds

In ferocious winds or storms, trees often become damaged or destroyed. Strong winds cause trees to sway, pulling and stretching their roots. This movement disrupts their root-soil contact and can rip them out of the ground altogether.

If possible, plant a tree near a tall building or structure. This will block the wind, making your tree less vulnerable to potential storms.

3. Disease

Diseases are a common killer of trees. They can be spread through different insects and bacteria.

One of the most common and deadly diseases for trees is Ash Dieback which is a disease caused by fungus.

The disease works by damaging the vascular tissues of the tree, causing branches to die back by blocking their supply of water and nutrients.

It was introduced to Europe around 30 years ago and has devastated Europe’s ash species, threatening it with almost total extinction.

Local Tree Surgeon Near Me

At Ace Tree Surgeons, we are currently working with authorities and landowners to combat the devastating environmental damage being caused by ash dieback.

We are qualified tree surgeons based in Central Scotland working to minimise the spread of this deadly disease and preserve our trees. 

We also manage and maintain trees to prevent trees from becoming a danger to households, roads and daily life.

For additional information on our expert tree work, contact us to find out more.