Dutch Elm Disease: Symptoms and Treatment

What Is Dutch Elm Disease?

Dutch elm disease is caused by a microscopic fungus that directly attacks the tree’s water-conducting vessels, disrupting the sap flow.

 

It infects several elm species in Quebec, such as the American elm, and has gained ground since it was introduced into North America in the mid-20th century. Nowadays, elm disease poses a major threat in both cities and natural spaces.

Dutch Elm Disease Symptoms

The first signs of this tree disease generally appear in early summer. It’s localized in a single branch at first, then gradually spreads to the rest of the tree.

Leaf wilting
Change in leaf colour
Brown streaking under the bark or in the wood

Our Dutch Elm Disease Treatments

We treat Dutch elm disease by injecting a specialized fungicide into the tree. This slows the spread of Dutch elm disease fungus and protects trees that are still healthy.

The treatment must be repeated every three years to ensure effectiveness. With a proper assessment, we can determine if the tree is salvageable and plan the required actions.

Reasons to Treat a Sick Elm Tree

Left untreated, this tree disease stops sap flow, causing the tree to gradually decline. Some branches will die quickly, and the entire tree ultimately becomes infected in a short period of time.

The disease can also be spread to other elm trees by insects that carry the fungus from one tree to the next. It can even proliferate through the roots of elms growing close together.

Early intervention helps contain the spread of the disease and protects neighbouring trees.

Get a Free Estimate for Dutch Elm Disease Treatment

Fill out our service request form to get a quote for Dutch elm disease treatment. We serve most cities across Quebec. We can schedule a visit as needed to perform a tree checkup and recommend the best possible solution.