Elm bark beetles, responsible for spreading the deadly DED fungus, feed on healthy elms and breed in dead and dying elm trees. If elm trees are pruned during the pruning ban period, these beetles that are active at this time can be attracted to the scent of the fresh wound and possibly infect an otherwise healthy elm with DED. Once an elm tree is infected with DED it will die within that year.
“Having trees pruned properly is important. Many trees are killed or ruined annually from improper pruning,” says Janet Feddes-Calpas, STOPDED executive director. “Pruning like any other skill requires knowledge and should be done by a professional certified arborist who can determine what type of pruning is necessary to maintain or improve the health, appearance and safety of your trees.”
For more information on pruning, certified ISA arborists and DED visit either www.isaprairie.com or www.stopded.org