FAQs About Dutch Elm Disease

Dutch elm disease may be a relatively new problem for homeowners in the Denver metro area. But it’s quickly becoming widespread. The disease can destroy the impact your landscaping has on your property if you’re not careful. Since it’s spreading, it’s normal to feel concerned for the trees on your property, and your trusted tree trimming experts want to help. Here are a few frequently asked questions about Dutch elm disease so you can better understand how to mitigate your trees’ risk.

What Types of Trees Does Dutch Elm Disease Affect?
Luckily, Dutch elm disease is only a problem for elm trees. American elms are by far the most vulnerable and are the most likely to develop serious issues after infection. However, Dutch elm disease can negatively impact any type of elm tree you have on your property. That’s why it’s essential to monitor your trees’ health and contact a plant health care specialist as soon as you notice signs of distress.

Are There Treatments for the Disease?
There are treatments for Dutch elm disease, but there’s no guarantee that the treatments will work. Depending on the extent of the infection, your tree trimming expert may be able to remove the infected limb or portion of the tree in hopes of saving the rest of the tree. They may also be able to apply a fungicide to prevent spread throughout the rest of the tree. 

What Should I Do if I Think My Trees Are Infected?
Schedule an appointment with your tree health care specialist as soon as you suspect that something is wrong. The sooner they can assess your trees and identify the true cause of the problem, the more likely it is that they’ll be able to save your trees and prevent the spread of the disease. Remember, Dutch elm disease isn’t the only threat to your plants. An experienced professional will be able to identify the exact issue your trees are facing.

Can My Trees Be Saved?
It largely depends on the extent of the infection. If the infection is limited to a small portion of the tree, you may be able to save it by removing the infected section. But if the disease is widespread or you’re noticing damage to more than one part of the tree, you may not be able to save it. If the tree can’t be saved, removing it from your property will likely be the best course of action. If your tree care specialist determines that the tree needs to be removed, let an experienced professional handle the removal. They’ll be able to take out the tree and safely dispose of it without hurting the rest of your property.

Give Your Trees the TLC They Need
If you have elm trees in your yard, they could be at risk of developing Dutch elm disease. This is true regardless of the type of elm trees you have on the property. The best way to protect your trees and keep other elm trees on your property safer for longer is to schedule routine inspections. Contact Root Tree Service today to schedule an appointment and let our team help you keep your trees growing well.