Identifying and Treating Dutch Elm Disease (DED)
Dutch elm disease (DED) is a fungal disease that affects elm trees. It's important to know how to identify and treat DED to prevent the spread of the disease to other trees. Here's what you need to know:
Identification:
The first step in identifying DED is to look for signs of wilting and yellowing leaves on the tree. As the disease progresses, the leaves will start to turn brown and curl up. You may also notice black streaks in the wood under the bark, which is a sign of the fungus that causes DED.
Treatment:
If you suspect that your elm tree has DED, there are several treatment options available:
Fungicides: Fungicides can be applied to the tree to prevent the spread of the disease. However, they must be applied early in the infection and on a regular basis to be effective.
Tree removal: If the infection is severe, it may be necessary to remove the tree to prevent the spread of the disease to other trees.
Sanitation: It's important to remove any infected wood or debris from the area around the tree to prevent the spread of the disease.
Prevention:
The best way to prevent DED is to keep your elm trees healthy. This means providing proper water, nutrients, and pruning to keep the tree in good condition. It's also important to avoid pruning during the growing season, as this can create wounds that are susceptible to infection.
Need help treating DED?
Our team of experts has the equipment and is trained to treat DED easily and effectively. If you’re located in the Fargo-Moorhead, North Dakota, and western Minnesota region, contact us below to see how we can support you!
