Roll out of a vaccination for Elm trees in Waipā will help protect them against Dutch Elm Disease.
The fatal and fast spreading tree disease was discovered in the district in February. It is caused by a species of fungus and is almost always deadly.
The vaccine will be administered in November on Council parks, reserves and street trees and will extend to privately owned protected trees.
Arborist planner James Richardson said the vaccination would not harm the trees.
“It increases the trees natural defence mechanism and greatly reduces the chances of them dying if they get the disease,” he said.
Waipā is following in the footsteps of Auckland Council who have seen a decrease of trees dying from the disease over the past three years since the vaccine was introduced.
“We take pride in our beautiful trees in Waipā. Every effort counts in preserving our natural landscapes, heritage and environment,” Richardson said.
“We have only had three reported cases of the disease, but we want to be proactive in slowing the spread.”
The vaccine is manufactured in the Netherlands. It is currently not available to the public. The vaccination programme is estimated to cost $25,000.
