Dutch Elm Disease is Deadly

Currently BC and Alberta are the only regions in North America free of this deadly fungal disease. You can help keep them that way by early detection, proper pruning, and prompt removal of infected elms.

Many BC communities have beautiful elm trees in jeopardy. The cost of removing and planting replacement shade trees on public and private lands would be considerable. BC also has a large nursery industry that exports Dutch Elm Disease (DED)-free nursery stock. Other areas of North America rely on BC's nursery industry to supply them with their healthy elm tree nursery stock.

Do you have a susceptible elm tree like this one in your yard?	American elm tree leaves have serrated edges and the lower margin of the leaf is asymmetrical.

You can help to ensure the disease does not become established in BC by becoming aware of the symptoms of infection.

The disease is carried from elm tree to elm tree by a bark beetle. In late summer and fall, prune out and destroy dead or dying branches where beetles can breed. Dispose of elm wood by chipping or burning. Remove bark from logs kept for firewood.

DED kills American, rock and white elms, but does not harm Siberian, Japanese or Chinese elms. If you are not sure you have a susceptible elm tree, take a leaf or branch to your local garden centre for identification.

Does your elm tree show symptoms of possible infection?

	Flagging
	Check the trees in the summer for branches with wilted, curled, yellow and brown leaves.
	Yellow leaves may fall early. Brown, wilted leaves remain on the tree over the winter.

Staining

Brown streaks can be found in the wood of infected branches. Photos courtesy of Manitoba Conservation (Forestry Branch)

To report suspicious symptoms, or for more information on Dutch Elm Disease contact:

BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands at (888) 221-7141

Canadian Food Inspection Agency at (604) 666-2891

Pacific Forestry Centre at (250) 363-0600

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