Can Dutch Elm Disease Be Treated?

Everything You Need to Know

Dutch elm disease is one of the most destructive tree diseases in the UK. Although there is no cure, there are some methods that you can put in place to help control its spread and protect healthy elms. Here at Elite Trees, the specialists in deadwooding Suffolk property owners recommend, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Here’s everything you need to know.

What Is Dutch Elm Disease?

First of all, what exactly is Dutch elm disease? It is caused by fungi that infect elm trees through beetles. These beetles bore into the bark of elms, carrying fungal spores with them. Once inside the tree, the fungi block the water-conducting vessels, leading to the tree’s eventual wilting and death.

The speed at which Dutch elm disease spreads makes it particularly challenging to manage. Once a tree is infected, symptoms may manifest quickly, and if you do not take action fast, the disease can wipe out entire groves of elms.

Can Dutch Elm Disease Be Cured?

Unfortunately, Dutch elm disease cannot be cured. Once a tree is infected, the fungus begins to spread, disrupting its ability to transport water and nutrients. However, early intervention can contain the infection and protect nearby healthy trees. That’s why it is really important to act quickly if you notice any of the signs of the disease.

What to Look Out For

The symptoms of Dutch elm disease typically appear in the summer months and include:

• Clusters of leaves that turn yellow and wilt
• Those leaves will later turn brown and fall
• Twigs can turn down to form distinctive ‘shepherd’s crooks’
• Trees can have a mixture of healthy and diseased foliage and shoots
• Affected shoots tend to die back from the tip
• Brown streaks visible in the wood when a branch is cut

Prompt removal of infected trees or branches can slow the spread to nearby elms, limiting the impact of the disease. That’s what we are here to help you with!

How We Can Help

One of the most effective methods for managing Dutch elm disease is through felling, which will see us remove infected trees before the fungus can spread to others. This approach is particularly beneficial when dealing with highly infected or dead trees, as they serve as breeding grounds for the beetles that are responsible for transmitting the fungus.

Deadwooding can also be beneficial if the infection is caught early. We will carefully remove any dead or affected branches, potentially saving the rest of the tree from becoming fully infected. We will also ensure that all infected material should be properly disposed of, as simply leaving it in place can allow beetles to continue spreading the disease.

Given the aggressive nature of Dutch elm disease, relying on expert advice and seeking speedy intervention is often the best way to protect healthy trees and preserve as much of the elm population as possible. That’s why we’re in such high demand!

Contact Us Today

Although Dutch elm disease cannot be cured, its spread can be managed. If you have any worries about the trees in your garden, please do get in touch with us today. We’ll be able to correctly diagnose the issue and put a plan of action into place right away.

Written by

Paul Thomas