A protective fungicide treatment was applied to The Gardens’ American elm tree in an effort to protect it from Dutch Elm disease. A deadly wilt pathogen, Dutch Elm disease was introduced into the United States in the 1930’s and has killed thousands of American Elms (Ulmus americana). In this type of treatment, a fungicide solution is injected into the vascular tissue of the tree for systemic distribution throughout the canopy. The presence of the fungicide in small twigs/stems preventing the establishment of the disease when introduced by bark beetles, or vectors, that carry the fungus. Applying a protective treatment rather than a therapeutic type is important because once symptoms are observed, loss of the tree is likely.
The treatment of The Gardens’ tree required a macro infusion as the injection amount exceeded one liter, resulting in approximately 45 gallons of solution. The solution is delivered through a pressure pump, line and about 50 injection tees placed in or around the root flair.
Studies have shown this type of protective treatment to be 99% effective and provide protection for up to 3 years.