Paterson said the Tree Council’s National Tree Week, "is the perfect time to inspire more people to plant trees in their local area."
He added: "Trees make a huge impact on our rural and urban landscapes, and this week will see thousands more planted right across the country. At a time when people are planting trees, it’s important that we all take care when sourcing new trees and plants to reduce the risk of spreading disease."
Tree Council director general Pauline Buchanan Black said: "We couldn’t have foreseen that we’d be faced with the losses from a tree disease of similar epidemic proportions just as we go in to National Tree Week, but this seems a timely moment to ask the public to think carefully about what will happen to their view and what they will do to restore it for future generations.
She added: "Anyone with land of their own, whether a garden, woodland or field, can make a difference to their view by adding a tree. This year, though, the campaign carries particular significance as we look for ways to minimise the impact of ash dieback and carefully consider what to plant. Not since Plant A Tree in ’73 has there been the same urgency to safeguard a view for the future."
