Dutch Elm Disease - Metropolitan Forestry Services, Inc.

Dutch Elm Disease - Metropolitan Forestry Services

Image of a backyard all sorts of different large trees.

We follow closely what goes on in our landscapes - here are some of the things we are seeing.

General Description:

Dutch Elm Disease (DED) is a vascular wilt fungus. An infection will inhibit the flow of water and nutrients from the roots to the foliage. A stressed tree once infected with DED will begin to loose branches a few at a time and usually die within a few years. The disease can be spread through an insect vector or through root grafts made with nearby trees.

Current Distribution:

Fairly widespread throughout the US wherever Elm trees grow in rural and urban areas.

Host Plants:

Most native species including American, Red, and Winged Elm.
Resistant Plants: Species such as the European White Elm, Siberian Elm, and many Asian species have shown to be resistant though not of desirable quality as landscape trees. Several hybridization and cultivation programs have been in operation for some time not to research and isolate DED resistant species. Many of these have parentage from the American Elm and similar habits and site requirements. Resistant species include: ‘Homestead’, ‘Patriot’, Accolade’, and ‘Valley Forge.’

Symptoms:

Begins as a general wilting of the leaves that begin to yellow and brown. Patterns vary in the crown varies depending on where the fungus is introduced in the tree., either from root graft or from insect vector. ‘Flagging’ is a term widely used to identify DED as a branch can suddenly turn brown and die in an otherwise green canopy. Symptoms usually show up in late spring or into summer and fall.

Control:

Not much can be done to save an infected tree. To prevent the spread of DED: proper sanitation of tools should also be used when pruning. Infected Elms should be removed and root pruned to reduce the spread via root grafts with nearby uninfected trees.
Macro-injections of fungicides have been useful as a preventative treatment for protecting valuable specimen trees as well as those nearby infected sites. Only resistant species should be planted in the landscape.

For a pdf copy of this fact sheet: Dutch Elm Disease

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– Cynthia K.

We were very pleased with the service and particularly the knowledge & professionalism of your staff. We would certainly recommend you.

Robert & Mary K. | Chesterfield

We are very pleased with the plantings suggested by and picked out by Mike. The men arrived on time to plant the boxwood and witch hazel tree; dug out the stump and cleaned up. They were pleasant and helpful – we couldn’t have asked for a better team.

Ruth S. | Ballwin

We were very pleased and impressed with Dan and his team. We love our new trees and garden.

Lora I | Kirkwood

Thank you so much for all the information you provide – the watering information, the emails and the flier. I read it all and have learned so much. My magnolia trees look surprisingly healthy considering the way they looked when I first called.

Cynthia K. | Des Peres

Kevin Seger provided expert advice and recommendations about tree maintenance and removal. He listened to my needs and provided a thorough and affordable proposal. On the day of the job, I was very impressed with crew leader, Dave and his team (Felix & Adam). They were professional, efficient, hard-working and very neat about clean-up.

John Z. | Glencoe

An outstanding job on the four trees and clean-up after the work and removal. We would be happy to recommend your services to everyone – the best tree service we ever have had here in St. Louis.

Roger M. | Creve Coeur

Kevin was able to come out the same day I called and a crew was out the next day! Great prompt service. I was not at home when the work was done but results show they did a fine job.

Karen B. | Ballwin

Everyone came through as usual when I needed the crew to come back & take out the balance of the fire blight. They did not have a bucket the first time and were so nice and professional about coming back again.

Bob B. | Chesterfield

Thank you again for responding to our urgent need after the storm took down our 2 trees & deposited them across our driveway. Your crew, as always, did a fabulous job. Professional, courteous & it is a pleasure doing business with your company.

Ruth H. | Chesterfield

We appreciate your knowledge and professionalism. Your employees are prompt and courteous and willing to do whatever needs to be done to complete the project. Cleanup was great.

Larry U. | Ellisville

Our goal is to provide you with the best possible service. If you are not satisfied with any treatment or completed job, we will resolve the situation to your satisfaction. We want to do our utmost to ensure your trees and shrubs are always 'green and growing'.

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