Dutch Elm Disease
There are many diseases that can infect your trees and below are just a few you might encounter. Learn more about each disease and how we can help control it. Get in touch with an expert today!
What is Dutch Elm?
Dutch Elm disease derived from a member of the sac fungi and is originally native to Asia. It’s recent migration to Europe and the Americas is thought to be brought by the elm bark beetle. After finding its way to America in 1921, Dutch Elm Disease devastated a native population of elms which did not have the chance to develop resistance to the disease.
The first sign of Dutch Elm is weakened and yellowed branches at the top of the tree. The tree recognizes the fungi and starts to plug its receivers in an attempt to stop the fungus from spreading. However, in its attempt to stop the fungus it also prevents itself from carrying nutrients to the other parts of the tree. Overtime, the tree continues weaken and turn yellow causing branches to die. Eventually the roots die, and the whole tree succumbs to the disease. You can also recognize Dutch Elm by cutting into a branch of the tree. A tree infected with Dutch Elm Disease will have dark streaks of discoloration in the outer rings of the wood.
Why should I care about Dutch Elm?
It is important to catch Dutch Elm in its beginning stages to prevent the tree from becoming sickened and weak. A weak tree is not only dangerous to your property and yard, but it’s also dangerous to the other plants in your yard. Because Dutch Elm is a fungal disease, it has the potential to spread easily and affect all the other plants on your property. If you’re concerned about the health of one of your trees, contact Minnesota Tree Experts. We will be happy to evaluate the status of your tree, work with you on treatments that fit within your budget, and keep your yard healthy.
What can I do to keep my trees healthy?
The first step to keeping your trees healthy from Dutch Elm Disease is to prune and remove burned timber. This prevents the disease from spreading from dead sections of the tree to healthy parts of the tree. Pruning your tree is also effective in preventing the spreading of brush fires and will increase the cleanliness of your yard.
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