Every year elms are again affected by Dutch elm disease, which is a shame because of their cultural and aesthetic value in our landscape. For a century, active efforts have been made in the Netherlands to control this disease. Both current knowledge and solutions have their origins in our country. This ‘national’ heritage is recognized and praised worldwide, and we want to preserve it!
Approach to Dutch elm disease
When dealing with a problem of this magnitude, a quick fix is often sought. Dutch elm disease plays a crucial role in the ecology of elm sapling beetles in Europe and North America. The fungus causes the death of the tree, resulting in a “brood tree” in which a population of beetles can develop. This is the main reason to remove diseased trees as soon as possible.
The process begins with the detection of the diseased elm, which must then be felled and removed within a very short period of time. A new tree is then planted. This entire process is very costly and it takes years for the new tree to have the same value as the replaced tree. This is why preserving elms is a priority!
Better alternative
Since 1992, idverde Bomendienst has experience in vaccinating healthy elms to protect them from the infestation of the fungus. By taking preventive action, trees are preserved and so are the investments made in the past. The injections cost a fraction of felling and replanting new trees and are also an economically better alternative in the long term.
