I live on Lake Erie, 6A. In her backyard is a 100+ year old American Dutch Elm. This year it has grown a lot, and I’m finding that the understory pl...
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Dutch Elm pruning #870105
Asked May 25, 2024, 9:08 PM EDT
I live on Lake Erie, 6A. In her backyard is a 100+ year old American Dutch Elm. This year it has grown a lot, and I’m finding that the understory plants which include shade plants like Japanese ferns grasses maple are being crowded out by the Dutch Elm branches/ shade. It has branches from the crown that are smashing into my roof, and also makes it impossible to roll out our Sunsetter shade that we bought to protect us from the sun about three years ago before these limbs were an issue. I can’t believe how fast it’s grown? We never had a problem before. Two people Work with tree services who were giving me estimates to cut have told me that I must wait until the weather is cold to do this trimming?
Place said she had never heard of it being an issue. Dutch Elms.
What is your opinion on removing limbs in the summer.? One arborist told me that this would weaken the tree and it would be more vulnerable to Dutch Elm disease, and I should leave it alone for now (late May).
Your thoughts?
Becker CountyMinnesota
Expert Response
Good Morning Anne,
You have contacted the University of Minnesota Extension Service. We are volunteers who answer yard and garden questions in Minnesota.
If you have hired an arborist to evaluate the tree, I would encourage you to ensure the arborist is "certified". If so, I would rely on their advice on the tree.
That did not answer my question? The link does not answer my question?
I’m asking you if taking off limbs, during the summer time is detrimental to Dutch elm. It does not have Dutch elm disease, currently. It does have scale.
In a general sense, can you please tell me whether or not I can have this tree limbed without hurting it based on time of year the work is to be done?
Yes. Taking the limbs off in the summer will leave exposed wounds on the tree. The disease is spread by insects. It is a fungal disease. Both the disease fungus and the insects are active in the summer months.
This is explained in the information I previously sent to you.
