Dutch Elm Disease
Dutch Elm disease is a very difficult disease to control. It is
a fungus disease carried by the native and European Elm bark beetle. Prevention
is the best way of combating Dutch Elm disease. Proper and immediate removal
and disposal of all dead or dying Elms is the key to successfully managing
the disease. Each community forester has a program set up to identify problem
areas. Frequent inspections are needed to detect diseased Elms early enough
to retard further spread.
During the growing season, Elms may develop dead spots in the canopy. The leaves will turn brown but remain on the tree. If you see symptoms like this, call your local city hall and have the community forester give you advice as to what steps should be taken.
Do not prune Elm trees during the growing season, because the Elm bark beetles are attracted to the pruning wounds. If, however, the tree is damaged during warm weather and must be pruned, wound dressings have been shown to reduce the attractiveness of wounds to the native beetle.
Revised: 03/10/98
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