Dutch Elm Disease

Dutch elm disease causes sudden wilting and death of elm trees. You see vascular discoloration in wood and rapid crown thinning. The fungus is spread by elm bark beetles. Remove infected trees and maintain beetle control.

Start with cultural controls: remove infected tissue, improve drainage and air circulation, and keep foliage dry when possible. Dutch Elm Disease responds best to early intervention, so scout regularly during the growing season and act at the first sign of symptoms. Chemical controls exist for severe cases but work best as preventive treatments before infection takes hold.