A second case of Dutch Elm disease has been confirmed in Waipā with the elm tree removed from the south east corner of Victoria Square earlier this month returning a positive result.
The now felled tree is second from the right.
The 100-year-old tree was vaccinated against the disease in November with other council-owned elms.
Community Services manager Brad Ward said the vaccination came too late for the vulnerable tree.
“The tree had been in decline for a couple of years and the canopy had been pruned in an effort to improve its health.”
In mid-December ‘flagging’ symptoms began to show, and council removed the tree as a precaution against further transmission.
“Monitoring of council’s elm trees showed the tree had sudden browning of leaves and die-back of branches. We decided to remove the tree before the test results came back due to the timing of the discovery and contractor availability over the holiday period,” Ward said.
“Staff and contractors took all possible measures to reduce the transmission of the disease during the felling process. The other elm trees in Victoria Square and around the Town Hall have been inspected and are currently in good health.”
Confirmation of infection in the centre of Cambridge means it is possible other affected trees may be on private land. Council is continuing to closely monitor the other elm trees in the district to watch for any further transmission of the disease.
“The public should be vigilant and seek professional advice from an arborist if they are worried about their elm trees,” Ward said.
The mound of dirt where the elm tree was before its felling.
The mound of dirt where the elm tree was before its felling.
