dutch elm disease

[bellows]

somebody wanted an estimate on dropping an (70´) elm (U. grabla). apparently, it's companion was removed 2 years ago by the township(30´ away)because of the disease. thought the tree looked good, little die back and green wood on top. owner said the tree´s foilage was golden early in the summer - however it was a dry one. i'm waiting to take a look at it during the summer before decision making time.

2 questions: can an elm be a carrier but remain healthy for an extend period of time(15+ more years)? if removed, can the wood be sold as lumber or does it have to be burn to eliminate the fungal traces?

this is one of the few older ones left standing around here.

 

[ORclimber]

The beatles that vector the disease live between the bark and wood, so if you strip the bark you should be able to do whatever you want with the wood. As long as you don't bury it near a healthy elms roots. Check your city ordinances though.

 

[Acer]

Originally posted by bellows

2 questions: can an elm be a carrier but remain healthy for an extend period of time(15+ more years)? if removed, can the wood be sold as lumber or does it have to be burn to eliminate the fungal traces?

The fungus relies on the beetle to move between trees. Once the fungus has been introduced, death of the tree is fairly quick, often within a season

 

[Pgtree]

If the first tree was removed because of DED, and the second tree is 30' away, the disease can be transfered through root graph. If you suspect DED, take a small section of the cambium out using a wood chisel. Look for blue stain, and take to your closest extensions service to have it checked.

When one Elm in a row of Elms is infected with DED, trenching is sometimes done to eliminate transfer of the disease.