Elm trees are truly beautiful with their tall trunks and ovular, green leaves. Their furrowed bark gives them distinguished character. Unfortunately, elm trees are susceptible to a disease called Dutch elm disease. If you have an elm tree on your property, it is important to know the basics of this condition so you can do what's needed to protect your tree and other elms in your area.
What causes Dutch elm disease?
Like most tree diseases, Dutch elm is caused by fungi. Three different species of related fungi, known as Ophiostoma ulmi, Ophiostoma himal-ulmi, and Ophoistoma novo-ulmi. Only Ophiostoma ulmi and Ophoistoma novo-ulmi are found in North America. Ophiostoma himal-ulmi is isolated to the Himalaya mountains.
The fungi that cause Dutch elm disease are spread from tree to tree by elm bark beetles. The beetles carry the fungal spores on their backs and feet, depositing it on the elm trees' bark.
What are the signs of Dutch elm disease?
When the fungi that cause Dutch elm disease are first introduced to the tree, they move into the vascular tissues of the plant. The tree reacts by forming a sort of scar tissue around the invading fungus, and this scar tissue actually ends up blocking the vascular tissue of the plant so that water and nutrients can't travel through it and nourish the tree's tissues.
The first sign of Dutch elm disease is the yellowing and death of a few large branches. The leaves will start to wither and turn yellow early in the summer, months before they would tumble in the autumn. Then, subsequent branches will begin showing these same symptoms as the vascular tissue becomes more and more invaded by the fungi.
How is Dutch elm disease treated?
Sadly, once a tree shows signs of Dutch elm disease, there's really no way to save it. The disease will keep spreading branch to branch until the tree is completely dead. If you suspect your tree has Dutch elm, it is best to have it removed sooner rather than later. This will help reduce the spreading of the fungi to other nearby trees. It's essential to have the tree removed by a professional so you can be sure the wood is disposed of properly through burning or burying.
How can you prevent Dutch elm disease?
There are a few things you can do to protect elm trees on your property from this serious disease.
- Do not bring other wood onto your property. It may be harboring elm beetles.
- Have your tree pruned regularly to remove dead and decaying branches that may attract elm beetles that carry the Dutch elm fungus.
- If you see beetles on your tree, consider having it sprayed with fungicides. This might help prevent transmission of the disease, though it is not always effective.
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