Dutch elm disease - Ask Extension
I have 2 elm trees (I believe they are American elm and approximately 30 years old). We recently an arborist from a local tree company look at the tr...
Knowledgebase
Dutch elm disease #879257
Asked July 29, 2024, 2:00 PM EDT
I have 2 elm trees (I believe they are American elm and approximately 30 years old). We recently an arborist from a local tree company look at the trees in our yard and he claims that the 2 elm trees have early sign of Dutch elm disease. He stated that the whitish steaks down the side of the trunks are early signs of DED. I can’t find this claim anywhere else. Neither trees have any signs of being diseased; there are no dead or dying leaves anywhere including the crown. I’ve included pictures of both trees. I would appreciate your opinion on these trees.
Baltimore County Maryland
Expert Response
We disagree with the arborist's assessment, and recommend that, if you have concerns over tree health, a second arborist be consulted to evaluate the trees. (We presume they were a certified arborist or licensed tree expert?) Dutch Elm Disease symptoms typically include canopy wilting and dieback, not external bark streaking (though streaking under the bark, in the cambium or twigs or branches, is a symptom, though not one visible from the outside of the tree). Not all arborists have the same level of experience in tree biology and diagnosis, even though they do pass an exam and are required to take continuing education seminars yearly to maintain their credentials. If you have the trees evaluated again, see if you can pre-screen any arborist candidates for hire by asking who has experience recognizing the symptoms of Dutch Elm Disease in particular.
Miri
Miri
