Dutch Elm Disease in 100-year-old tree confirmed

A second case of Dutch Elm Disease has been confirmed in the Waipā District with the Elm tree removed from Victoria Square earlier this month returning a positive result.

The 100-year-old tree was vaccinated against the disease in November with other Council-owned Elm trees.

Community services manager Brad Ward said the vaccination came too late for the vulnerable tree.

“The tree had been in decline for a couple of years and the canopy had been pruned in an effort to improve its health.”

In mid-December ‘flagging’ symptoms began to show, and Council acted swiftly to have the tree removed as a precaution against further transmission.

“Monitoring of Council’s Elm trees showed the tree had sudden browning of leaves and die-back of branches. We decided to remove the tree before the test results came back due to the timing of the discovery and contractor availability over the holiday period,” Ward said.

“Staff and contractors took all possible measures to reduce the transmission of the disease during the felling process. The other Elm trees in Victoria Square and around the Town Hall have been inspected and are currently in good health.”

Confirmation of infection in the centre of Cambridge means it is possible other affected trees may be on private land. Council is continuing to closely monitor the other Elm trees in the district to watch for any further transmission of the disease.

“The public should be vigilant and seek professional advice from an arborist if they are worried about their Elm trees,” Ward said.

If residents suspect the disease is present on an Elm tree, please report it to MPI’s Exotic Pest and Disease Hotline on 0800 80 99 66.

For more information visit, waipadc.govt.nz/dutchelmdisease.

For more information, contact: on-call comms staff on 07 984 7203