When do you trim elm trees

Elm trees that are trimmed regularly each year will remain too low for the beetle. Elm tree pruning is actually considered one of the most important things that can be of help to the tree, providing it is done at the right time of year. It is crucial to prune an elm tree at very specific times of year. Open wounds attract the elm bark beetle, so be sure to avoid pruning between April and July. Pruning during autumn is also a no-no. The best time therefore for elm tree pruning is early spring ahead of the growing season.

This timing allows good time for the wounds to close so the tree has plenty of time to rebuild its strength. Thorough pruning is advisable on a once every three years basis, with minor pruning every year. Added vigilance is crucial in areas where Dutch elm disease is prevalent so that dead or dying branches are removed in a timely fashion so as not to pose a risk.

The most important thing to look for is signs of disease or demise. Dutch elm disease symptoms first show themselves in early summer when clusters of leaves start turning yellow and then wilt before turning brown and falling. Dark streaks appear in the outer wood of the twigs beneath the bark, or there may be rings or spots. A dead or diseased elm tree can pose a threat to other nearby elm trees, so taking swift action is vital. Dead wood is the perfect breeding ground for the elm bark beetle, so dead limbs and trees absolutely must be disposed of via burning without delay.

Always check whether this is the case before proceeding and, where required, make an application to the local authority for permission. This can take up to eight weeks to come through. Also you should know that if the tree is located in a conservation area, permission must be obtained before undertaking works of any kind.

Because of the threat of Dutch elm disease and the importance of prevention via regular pruning, as well as the correct methods of dealing with diseased branches, it is crucial to engage professional assistance when approaching any form of elm tree pruning.

A qualified tree surgeon with relevant experience will know precisely how to care for your elm tree. June 18, By Bev Betkowski. With spring busting out all over, it's natural to want to tidy up the trees gracing your yard or street, but put down those shears, says a University of Alberta expert.

Pruning living branches between April and October drains resources trees need for photosynthesis, which converts sunlight into the energy needed to produce leaves, flowers and fruit. Dead branches can be pruned any time of year without harming the tree, but avoid cutting too closely to their stems.

Cut one to two centimetres above where the branch connects to the trunk, to avoid seriously wounding the tree. All trees, including elm, should only be trimmed while they're dormant, usually beginning in October or November and ending by March. To find out how to make your soil more natural, click here.

Elms should be fertilized once or twice a year. However, not just any fertilizer will do and using the wrong type of fertilizer can actually increase the chances that your tree will contract Dutch elm disease. For more information about fertilizing an elm tree, click here. Pruning is one of the most important ways we can help an elm tree.

Because of the threat of Dutch elm disease, special considerations must be taken into account. Unlike many other tree species, pruning must be done at a very specific time of year. Because open wounds attract the elm bark beetle the major vector for Dutch elm disease , pruning should never be performed from about mid-April to late-July.

In fact, some communities have bylaws to this effect. Also, due to presence of a variety of fungal spores in the fall, if possible, pruning should be avoided. This leaves early spring as an ideal pruning season. With the growing season to follow, the tree has ample time to close the wound and regain its vitality. Mature deciduous ornamental trees such as elms should be thoroughly pruned once every three years with annual minor pruning.

In areas where Dutch elm disease is present, more vigilance is required to allow timely removal of dead or dying branches. If a tree is noticeably slow to bounce back from a pruning session, less frequent pruning may be in order. See: How to Prune a Tree. In natural settings, the ground around large shade trees is covered with leaves.

As the leaves decompose, they release nutrients which the tree needs. Not so in our cities where are trees are surrounded by grass. The grass actually competes with the tree for water and nutrients. Scatter fertilizer around a tree and you will end up with very healthy grass.

Tree food stakes inserted into the ground release nutrients below the grass layer. Use fertilizers specifically designed for shade or elm trees. Also, take care when mowing.