Dutch Elm Disease - Dutch Elm Tree Disease

R. J. Jones, Plant Pathology Extension (retired)
L. F. Grand, Dept. of Plant Pathology

A very destructive fungus disease called Dutch elm disease was first observed in Ohio during the summer of 1930. Three years later it was found in northern New Jersey. Since then the fungus has spread throughout New England, south to central Georgia, and westerly to many areas of the Midwest, the Great Plains, Rocky Mountains and finally to the Pacific Coast. The first confirmed report of the disease in North Carolina was made in August 1962 from winged elm in Greensboro. Currently the disease occurs in most western and piedmont counties, and as far east as Hertford, Pitt, Wayne and Cumberland counties.

The greatest economic effect of the disease is the killing of high-value trees along city streets or near important or historical buildings. Added to the esthetic loss is the considerable cost involved in removing diseased and dead trees. These losses have been substantially reduced in a number of cities by community-wide programs of prompt removal of diseased trees. These programs are also expensive, but less so than removal of dead trees on a large-scale basis after the disease has been permitted to spread unchecked.

All American (American, slippery, red and winged elms) and European species of elm are highly susceptible to the disease. Asiatic elms, such as Ulmus parvifolia and U. pumila, are resistant or tolerant to the fungus.

Published by North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service
Distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914. Employment and program opportunities are offered to all people regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. North Carolina State University at Raleigh, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.