02 Oct
Trees are magnificent entities that often appear invincible and long-lasting. However, they are prone to infections like Dutch Elm Disease (DED). This fungal infection has wiped out many elm trees globally, hence the need to provide proper care and maintenance. At the Southern Star Stump, we understand the risk of DED on elm trees, ensuring effective treatment before things worsen. Here’s a guide to help you identify and manage Dutch Elm Disease in your property.
The earliest and most noticeable sign is wilting in the upper canopy. While the initial stages of infection may only affect a few branches, delaying maintenance can allow the disease to spread. Call an arborist to diagnose and address the issue quickly once you notice yellow foliage and premature drop during the growing season. Severe deterioration can affect overall health, leading to death and premature tree and stump removal emergencies.
Healthy trees have clear wood when you peel back the bark. However, brown streaks in the wood show a fungal infection blocking the tree’s vascular system. Consult a tree service expert and schedule an inspection to pinpoint the cause. Brown streaking is often associated with DED, prompting professional intervention. Certified arborists can assess the severity of infection before recommending a viable solution. Complete tree and stump removal can mitigate spreading and subsequent repercussions in your landscape if there are multiple stressors or other diseases.
Branch dieback is another sign that your trees are infected with Dutch Elm Disease. Progressive dieback usually starts from one or two branches to the main stem, blocking the vascular system. In severe cases, the tree cannot support the canopy, causing safety hazards and property damage when they break. It is advisable to hire a professional arborist as soon as you notice branch dieback since delayed care can lead to devastating scenarios and costly emergencies.
Elm bark beetles create small galleries under the bark, indicating an underlying infection. These critters bore into the wood, leaving patterns that show they’ve been feeding on the tree. Even if the damage is not easily detected initially, early treatment goes a long way to prevent deterioration, death, and complete tree removal or stump grinding. You can avoid such scenarios by scheduling regular maintenance with a reputable tree care company.
Now that you know the typical telltale signs of DED, learning how to manage the infection can help you maintain a healthy landscape. Homeowners should invest in routine pruning to remove infected branches before spreading infection. This method is effective during the initial stages of disease to prevent spreading.
For severe cases, arborists may recommend complete tree removal. The last thing you want is for the disease to spread to other elm trees on the premises. Preventive measures like fungicide injections are vital to keep your trees healthy, giving you peace of mind knowing your valued trees are protected.
Understanding the signs and management of Dutch Elm Disease can help you maintain a beautiful and healthy landscape. Contact us at the Southern Star Stump and schedule a consultation with our expert arborists. We provide comprehensive services, including tree planting, pruning, and stump grinding to ensure your yard is pristine throughout.
