DUTCH ELM
DISEASE & TREATMENT

What Is Dutch Elm Disease?

Across Wisconsin and the United States, we’ve faced a challenging battle against Dutch Elm Disease (DED) since it first appeared in the 1930s. This disease, caused by the fungus Ophiostoma ulmi, primarily affects American elms (Ulmus americana) and European elms, which are highly susceptible.

Over the decades, we’ve lost hundreds of thousands of these majestic trees, once a dominant presence in our streets, parks, and neighborhoods. Now, seeing a large elm tree is a rare sight.

The surviving elms are precious and deserve exceptional care to ensure their preservation. If you suspect your trees are infected, don’t wait – schedule a consultation with arborists in your area today.

How Dutch Elm Tree Disease Spreads

Dutch Elm Tree Disease spreads mainly through the native or European Elm Bark Beetle. These beetles move from tree to tree, feeding on broken branches or wounds caused by storms or improper pruning. As they feed, they introduce the fungus into the tree’s vascular system.

Once the fungus is inside, the tree tries to block the infected water-conducting vessels to stop the spread. Unfortunately, this defense mechanism can go too far. The tree ends up blocking too many vessels, cutting off its own water and nutrient supply. This overreaction causes the tree to die from lack of water and nutrients.

Identifying Dutch Elm Tree Disease Symptoms

You can spot Dutch Elm Tree Disease symptoms during the spring and summer. Look for individual branches in the tree canopy with leaves turning yellow to brown – these are signs of Dutch Elm Disease leaves.

If you notice these signs, call us immediately. Our arborist will take a sample from the affected area and check for brown streaking in the tree’s vascular system. If there’s any doubt about the diagnosis, the sample will need to be sent to a tree lab for further testing.

Effective Treatments for Dutch Elm Disease

If you notice a symptom of Dutch Elm Disease, it’s already be too late to save your elm tree. That’s why consistent, preventive treatment is crucial for the healthiest trees.

Property owners who opt for preventive or therapeutic treatment typically hire a local arborist. During your consultation, they’ll measure the tree and calculate its canopy size. Then, they will use an infusion system, similar to a human IV at a hospital, to deliver a chemical treatment called Arbotect 20-S.

This treatment is injected into the tree’s vascular system and is carried throughout the canopy. It provides protection for three years and is the only recommended treatment with a proven success record.

Prevention & Care for Elm Trees

To reduce the risk of infection, maintaining healthy elms is essential. Regular monitoring, professional tree pruning or trimming, and avoiding root grafts with infected trees are key preventive measures. Always prune elms during the dormant season to prevent attracting elm bark beetles, which can spread the disease by laying eggs in open wounds and transferring fungus from infected branches.

Since symptoms of Dutch Elm Disease, such as yellowing or browning leaves, can take several weeks to months to appear, early intervention is critical. If you notice any signs of distress or suspect infected branches, contact Eco Tree Company immediately for assistance.