Elm Tree

: Elm trees should be trained to grow with a center leader. Tree pruning is recommended to preserve or improve the elm tree structure, vigor and life-span. Tree pruning can reduce the chances of a branch falling on a structure. Broken, diseased, or dead branches are removed in order to prevent fungi (dutch elm disease) from infecting other trees. Removal of live branches from an elm tree is sometimes necessary to increase exposure to sunlight and air circulation within the canopy. Elm Tree Problems: Dutch Elm Tree Disease – This elm tree disease is a devastating fungus that is spread by the elm bark beetle or by root grafting. Once the fungus is established, it attacks the water conducting vessels of the elm tree, causing the tree to wilt and eventually die. Symptoms of Dutch elm disease develop quickly, within a month’s time, and include “flagging” at the crown of the tree. This means that a branch of an apparently healthy elm tree starts to wilt or its leaves start to yellow. Elm Bark Beetle – The elm bark beetle is the primary spreader of Dutch elm tree disease. The beetle lives in elm trees and its larvae tunnel into the tree to feed, eventually emerging as adult beetles. If a tree is already infected with Dutch elm disease, the spores of the fungus attach to the beetle. When the beetle moves to healthy elm, it brings the spores with them. One sign of elm bark beetle is red sawdust on the bark in fall or early spring. Gypsy Moth – Gypsy moth caterpillars can be found feeding on elm trees from late May until early July. These insects cause elm tree problems by defoliating the tree, making the tree weak and susceptible to other pests and diseases. Asian Longhorned Beetle – This insect damages the sapwood beneath the bark layer, preventing the elm tree from properly transporting nutrients and water. Once a tree has an Asian longhorned beetle infestation, it will generally die within 1-2 years.