Dutch Elm Disease Lower This Year - KXNet - Bismarck/Minot/Williston/Dickinson

Dutch Elm Disease Lower This Year

Dutch Elm disease cases are significantly lower in the city of Minot compared to years past.
City Forester Brian Johnson says there have been only 12 trees removed from the boulevards which is 'way down' from last year, and private property tree removal is also down.

Minot Park District has been fighting Dutch Elm Disease for more than 25 years.
This year, there are more cases in the southeast side of town than there have been.
Dutch Elm Disease is spread by a beetle that carries a fungus from one American Elm Tree to the next.
Symptoms will include one branch yellowing or the leaves may turn brown and remain attached to the tree.
Johnson calls the lower number of Dutch Elm Disease cases a small victory in a long battle.

(Brian Johnson, Minot Park District Forestry Dept) "The key, I feel is that we get out there and get rid of the ones that are diseased, get those taken care of right away. Homeowners quick response has really been an asset too. I think we're winning that battle."

Suspicions of Dutch Elm Disease can be reported to the Minot Forestry Department at 857-4178.