[CANUFNET] Dutch Elm Disease

[James Urban]

Mike 

I am not sure where the science is but it is a fairly common belief at all levels of the urban forest research and practice community that DED is transmitted across root grafts.  At the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and at the MLK memorial in Washington DC, we specified root barriers within the soil zone below pavements between each tree.  The downside of this is that we segmented the soil volumes making them less effective.  I am also not sure that in either case we developed an effective barrier.  Roots are well adapted to get around all but the most aggressive barriers. In the end all trees get something and elms get a large number of other things besides DED.  I still think focusing on diversity and large soil volumes will net healthier stands of trees.

Jim Urban
Urban Trees + Soils
410 263 4838



On Dec 8, 2011, at 11:27 AM, Mike James wrote:

> My client has expressed the below concern.  Is there any science to support that Dutch Elm is being passed between trees through connecting root structures?
>  
> We are wondering about Dutch Elm Disease. He heard that it spread the fastest from tree to tree when the roots are touching.We realize this would preclude us from putting two or more elms in the same tree trench. Have you ever encountered this? Is it a big concern?
>  
>  
> Mike James
> DeepRoot Canada Corp.
> Tel: 1 800 561 3883
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