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For Immediate Release: October 11, 2004
Media Contact: Jayson DeGeeter, 847.729.1963
ANOTHER WEAPON TO DEFEND AGAINST OAK WILT AND DUTCH ELM DISEASE
GLENVIEW, IL — Several Chicagoland communities have combated the onset of Dutch elm disease and oak wilt during recent years. Education initiatives, monitoring programs, and fungicide injections are common elements of a proactive, preventative program. As autumn gives way to winter, the arborists at Autumn Tree Care Experts urge Chicagoland communities to add one additional element to their efforts: dormant pruning.
By pruning oak and elm trees during the dormant season, homeowners avoid inviting insect vectors to feed on their tree's cambium layer and sap. Insect vectors — which spread the fungi responsible for Dutch elm disease and oak wilt while feeding on a susceptible tree — are not active during the winter months, and therefore are not a threat to elm and oak trees. Pruning during the dormant season allows sufficient time for any wounds incurred to heal well before the reemergence of insect vectors in the spring.
About Dutch Elm Disease
Dutch elm disease is caused by the fungus Ophiostoma ulmi: an aggressive, lethal fungus that attacks all species of native elm trees.
The disease affects the tree's vascular system. The first noticeable symptom of Dutch elm disease is the yellowing of leaves on one or more of the tree's branches. These leaves later wilt and fall from the tree. As the infection progresses, the wood beneath the bark becomes discolored.
The rate of decline varies based on a number of factors — such as the precise species of elm, the time of infection, climatic conditions, and the tree's vitality. An infected elm tree may decline and die through the course of a single season or the process may take two or more years.
About Oak Wilt
Oak wilt, caused by the fungus Ceratocystis fagacearum, is lethal to all oak species. The rate of decline varies according to species. An infected red or pin oak will die within 4-6 weeks after infection. White and bur oaks — which are more resistant to the disease — decline slowly by loosing a few limbs each year.
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Both red and white oak species exhibit similar symptoms of this vascular disease. The most noticeable symptom of oak wilt is the "wilted" appearance adopted by leaves on infected branches: leaves seem water-soaked and turn yellow or brown with a distinct line between dead and living tissue. Defoliation soon follows. In addition, red oak species form fungal spore mats that protrude from beneath the bark and emit a fermenting odor that attracts insects. While white oak species do not develop fungal spore mats, white oak sapwood does develop streaking beneath the bark as a result of the fungus.
About Autumn Tree Care Experts
Autumn Tree Care Experts is a full-service, ISA certified arboricultural firm that has been dedicated to tree preservation since 1979. The company's services include tree pruning and fertilization, disease diagnosis and treatment, pest management, cabling/bracing, and pre/post construction consultations. Autumn Tree Care Experts serves as the exclusive Tree Health Sponsor of the Chicago Botanic Garden and is a member of the International Society of Arboriculture, the Tree Care Industry Association (formerly the National Arborist Association), the American Society of Consulting Arborists, and the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association.
If you would like to speak with a certified arborist about developing a proactive dormant pruning program, contact Autumn Tree Care Experts at 847.729.1963. |
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