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American Elm - Do I need to pre-treat (preventative) for Dutch Elm Disease? #870539

Asked May 29, 2024, 7:43 AM EDT

I have a really beautiful and healthy American Elm that came up naturally about 10 years ago. It is now about 30-40 feet tall with a beautiful large canopy. Do I need to have it pre-treated to keep it from getting infected with the Dutch Elm Disease? It is on the border with my neighbor and he had it treated 2 years ago. He wants me to split that cost. I want to be sure that we actually NEED to do it. I don't want to lose it!

Oakland County Michigan

Expert Response

Hello Mark,

Dutch elm disease is difficult to control, using sanitation: the quick removal of diseased branches and/or pesticide applications.

Insecticides to kill the bark beetle vector depends on the type of pesticide used and proper timing to kill the beetles.

Preventative fungicide injections are capable of protecting the tree from infection which is likely what your neighbor is doing. Protection lasts every 1-3 years and then must be repeated.

Read more here: https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/dutch-elm-disease

These applications should be carried out by certified arborists who specialize in plant health care. To find a certified arborist in your area, go to www.treesaregood.org, the website of the International Society of Arboriculture.

Thank you for contacting Ask Extension.


An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 30, 2024, 6:00 PM EDT

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