🌳 Dutch Elm Disease: What You Need to Know & Why Tree Removal Matters
Dutch Elm Disease (DED) is a serious fungal infection that affects elm trees and has been responsible for the decline of millions of elms across North America. The disease is spread by elm bark beetles and through root systems that connect neighboring trees. Once infected, a tree typically cannot recover.
🦠What is Dutch Elm Disease?
Dutch Elm Disease is caused by a fungus (Ophiostoma ulmiand Ophiostoma novo-ulmi) that clogs the tree’s vascular system, preventing water movement. The disease often begins in the upper branches, causing leaves to wilt, yellow, and die—commonly referred to as "flagging.” It progresses quickly and can kill a tree in a single season.
🚨 Why Removing Infected Trees is Critical
- Prevent the Spread: Infected elms are a breeding ground for bark beetles, which carry the fungus to healthy trees. Prompt removal cuts off this transmission.
- Protect the Urban Canopy: Elms are a valued part of our local tree canopy. Removing infected trees helps save nearby healthy elms and preserves the town's natural beauty.
- Safety Concerns: Dead or dying trees pose a hazard to property and public safety due to falling limbs or collapse.
- Legal Responsibility: Property owners are responsible for the care and maintenance of trees on their land. In many towns, failure to remove a diseased tree may violate local ordinances.
🌱 What You Can Do
- Inspect Your Elms: Watch for signs of wilting leaves, branch dieback, or premature leaf drop.
- Report Suspected Cases: If you suspect Dutch Elm Disease on your property, contact the Municipal Office for the contact information for local arborists.
- Act Quickly: If a tree is diagnosed with DED, it must be professionally removed and disposed of to prevent spread.
Together, we can protect our community’s trees and ensure a healthier, greener future.
For more information: https://www.gov.mb.ca/stopthespread/fis/index.html