A city forester says the disease is highly contagious, spreads through elm bark beetles, and can kill branches within weeks — with removal costs ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
GREAT FALLS, Mont. — Concerns are growing in Great Falls as Dutch elm disease spreads and threatens the city’s well-known elm trees.
The Great Falls History Museum said elm trees have long lined city boulevards and have been valued for their durability. However, a city forester noted the disease had been spreading after the first reported cases in 1987.
The disease can kill branches within weeks and can spread easily, putting many trees at risk. Repair costs can range from $600 to thousands of dollars.
“The Dutch Elm disease is a fungal disease that affects the vascular system on American elms. And it clogs off the vessels and then that, of course, the branch will die and it'll just keep going back and back. It's highly contagious. It spread through elm bark beetles and grafts,” said City Forester Todd Seymanski.
City leaders are asking Great Falls residents to watch for signs of Dutch elm disease.
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