Elm Tree Preservation

Elm preservation was one of the original programs initiated by the Beautification Commission shortly after formation in 1979. Beautification commissioners walked the entire city surveying the elm population for flagging symptoms - die off of the outer edges of elm branches - the possible beginning of Dutch Elm Disease. Suspect trees were reported to Public Service for confirmation and removal if DED is present.

Later that summer U.S. Forestry Department Dr. Gregory began a 5-year elm injection program using both Lignasan and Arbotect in the park. He gave talks throughout the Pointes stressing a total elm preservation program consisting of:

• Survey
• Preventative Pruning
• Injection
• Tree Hydration and Fertilizing
• Follow Up
• Removal if necessary

Beginning in 1980 the Park's Public Service Department ordered the fungicide for residents self injection and the Commissioners delivered the product to residents. Fungicide was and still is provided to all interested residents at the city's cost. After training from Dr. Gregory, Commissioners instructed residents in safe and proper injection techniques. Later in the 1980s the park used college forestry students as summer interns for the surveys and follow ups. In the 1990s we had a full time forester and Dr. Lanier of SU.N.Y. working on the program.

Sec. 44-15. - Dutch elm disease.
(a) Public nuisances declared. The City Council, having determined the health of the elm trees within the City is threatened by a fatal disease known as Dutch elm disease, hereby declares the following to be public nuisances:

(1) Any living or standing elm tree or part thereof infected with the Dutch elm disease fungus Ceratocystis ulmi (Buisman) or which harbors any of the elm bark beetles Scolytus multistreatus (Michh) or Mylurcopinus rufipes (Marsh).

(2) Any dead elm tree or part thereof, including logs, branches, stumps, firewood or other elm material not buried, burned, sprayed with an effective elm bark beetle destroying insecticide, or from which the bark has not been removed.

(b) Nuisances prohibited. No person shall permit any public nuisance as defined in Subsection (a) of this section to remain on any premises owned by said person within the City. Any person who leases a property with a public nuisance as defined in Subsection (a) of this section shall notify the owner of the property. Failure by a lessee to notify the owner of the nuisance will result in several liability for any fines or related costs to removing the nuisance.

(c) Abatement of Dutch elm disease nuisance. Abatement of a declared Dutch elm disease nuisance shall be undertaken pursuant to Section 44-10.

For inspection of suspect trees : Contact The Department of Public Works at 313-822-5100.