Two elm trees removed from quad had Dutch Elm Disease
Last week, crews removed two elm trees in front of the Edwards-Holman Science Center after they were diagnosed with Dutch Elm Disease. This is a highly contagious disease to which most elms succumb within a year of infection. There is no known cure.Â
An American elm’s lifespan is typically 175 to 200 years. The two trees that were removed were approximately 125 years old.
The area will be leveled and restored. The contractor, General Tree, is donating two “Frontier” elm trees as replacements, one of which will most likely go in the same space (the area is not big enough for two full-sized elms and the pine tree). The other will be planted in a suitable location on campus. Crews will hold off on planting the new trees until late September or early October.
The new Ulmus Americana “Frontier” is a slightly smaller tree that has red leaves in the spring that transition to yellow-green during summer. It is resistant to Dutch Elm Disease and tolerant of urban conditions.
Our campus reaps the benefits of trees planted generations ago. Plant services will continue to care for them, but unfortunately, at some point, all trees become a hazard and need to be removed. It will then be up to us to replant and to care for the trees, for the enjoyment of the class of 2145.