With its golden foliage, the golden elm attracts everyone's attention. Unfortunately, the deciduous tree is also affected by diseases and pests. Numerous beetles like to nest in the leaves of the golden elm. Not to be forgotten is the Dutch elm disease, which has been spreading in recent years and is threateningly weakening the general elm population. You can find out how to protect your golden elm from disease in the following article.
Leaf discoloration is usually a sign of disease or pest infestation
The elm disease
Dutch elm disease is considered to be the most aggressive disease an elm can suffer from. It is not uncommon for the fungus to cause the tree to die off completely. Fortunately, the golden elm is one of the less susceptible elm species to severe fungal infections.
First signs
- deformed and brown leaves in the crown
- However, leaves do not fall off
- the golden elm dries up
- the golden elm is dying
Treat
At the first signs of Dutch elm disease, severely cut back all affected branches. If the disease has progressed too far, the tree must inevitably be felled.
pests
The most common pests of the golden elm are
- the elm bark beetle
- Gall mites or the elm gall aphid
- voles
Dry branches, holes in the bark or cobweb-like threads on the branches are serious signs of a pest infestation.
The elm bark beetle
The elm bark beetle is the most dangerous pest of the golden elm. No wonder, since it transmits the fungus responsible for Dutch elm disease. He can be put to flight with a special oil tincture. However, it will not be known until next spring whether the measure was successful. A radical pruning of the affected branches is safer. You should not consider the appearance of the tree, but really remove all diseased branches.
Gall mites and the elm gall aphid
Thickening of the leaves indicates gall mites. The pests do not like rapeseed oil or paraffin at all. You can also get various sprays from specialist retailers
voles
You can clearly identify voles by the hollow burrows in the ground near the trunk. They damage the golden elm by eating away at the roots and thus restricting the water supply. As a preventive measure, place a wire mesh in the ground when planting the golden elm.