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Dutch elm disease is difficult to control and without management
it will wipe out a large population of elms in just a few
years. However, with a properly implemented program, the devastating
effects of the disease can be greatly reduced. An effective
program includes four parts: prompt detection and removal
of diseased elms, disruption of transmission through common
roots, saving diseased
elms with tracing, and protection of valuable elms through
proper Macro-infusion
procedures.
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 Before
- A beautiful property before Dutch elm disease. |
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After
- The same property after the devastation
of Dutch elm disease. |
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Scouting for Dutch Elm Disease
(DED)
Scouting for Dutch elm disease and identifying
diseased elms is the first step of any DED program. Scouting
also involves checking people’s yards and garages for
elm wood. Scouts will usually move through an area every 2-4
weeks during the growing season to make sure dying trees are
identified and properly dealt with.
Removing Diseased Elms
Promptly removing and disposing of elms dying from Dutch elm
disease is the key to effectively managing Dutch elm disease
on a community wide basis. It involves identifying
diseased elms that cannot be saved by tracing
and immediate removal of these trees. This will reduce the
number of disease carrying beetles. A single dead elm can
produce tens of thousands of contaminated beetles. Without
such a program, a substantial majority of a community's elm
population will die within a few years. Removed elms need
to either have their bark removed, or be chipped, burned,
or buried. Storage of diseased elm wood must not be anywhere
near valuable elm populations.
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