CITIZEN’S ALERT!! Watch for DED* Trees!

Elm trees are among the stateliest of native American trees. Elms may be best known as the trees whose gracefully arching branches once interlaced the length of many eastern American city streets. These days, the population of elms has been decimated by a fungus called Dutch Elm Disease (DED).

The disease works by affecting the flow of water and nutrients in the tree. Fading leaves are often the first sign that something is wrong. The browning of leaves and branches, called “flagging,” becomes increasingly apparent in the summer.

Trees may be treated, and the disease slowed or halted if treatment occurs before, or soon after, flagging is spotted.

DED was first discovered in Seattle in 2001. Its presence threatens the approximately 500 American elm trees growing within the public right of way along Seattle streets and hundreds more on private land.

Citizens can assist in the fight against DED by watching for signs of flagging in elms that are in your neighborhood.

If you are interested in visiting elms in Seattle, drive down 34 th Av. E and 38th Av. E between E. Valley St. and E Madison St.

Please call SDOT Urban Forestry at 684-TREE if you have a tree to report or have additional questions.

You may also wish to visit these websites for more detailed information, visit: http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/seasonalinfo.htm

http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/howtos/ht_ded/ht_ded.htm

http://plantclinic.cornell.edu/FactSheets/dutchelmdisease/DED.htm

Areas of Elm Trees in Seattle