Tree Care
"Trees shade and cool our homes, bring songbirds close by, mark the changing seasons. Kids can climb them or build a tree house in their branches. For all of us, trees are a source of lumber, food, and countless products - and they beautify our communities and countryside. But equally important, trees conserve energy, reduce soil erosion, clean the air we breathe, and help protect rivers and streams. If trees are to provide all these benefits, we need to care for the trees we have, and to plant more. As you plant and care for your trees, you can be sure that you are making the future better for your family, your neighborhood, your countryside, your world." - Arbor Day Foundation
Learn more about:
Dutch Elm Disease >>
Emerald Ash Bore >>
DUTCH ELM DISEASE
The goal of the Dutch Elm Disease Program is to
slow the spread of Dutch Elm Disease to a rate where the
tree canopy stays the same, only with new tree replacements moving into the tree population at the same rate as
losses. This can be seen throughout the older established
neighborhoods in Grand Forks. The first case of Dutch Elm
Disease in Grand Forks was in 1979. At that time there were
11,800 elms in Grand Forks. Today due to the efforts of the
Dutch Elm Disease Program, 70% of those elms still remain.
Program Services
- Scouting for diseased elms, firewood piles and other
sources of elm beetle nesting sites.
- Removal of confirmed diseased trees on
berms, parks, private property and the city river corridor
- Removal of confirmed dseased trees on private porperty is free to homeowners.
- Gerneral berm tree maintenance (pruning, removal, and
planting) contributes extesively to the Program.
Does your tree have Dutch Elm Disease?
During the months of June, July and August, a Grand Forks
Park District scout continually surveys all elm trees for signs
of Dutch elm disease. This scout inspects all elms on berms,
parks, private property and the river corridor. The first evidence of the disease generally is wilting or flaggling in one or more of the upper branches. Leaves on affected branches turn dull green to yellow and curl, then become dry and brittle, and turn brown. Peeling bark from
wilted branches reveals light to dark brown streaks. The
scout tests the sample, and if positive the tree is marked and
a letter is left for the homeowner.
EMERALD ASH BORE
The emerald ash bore (EAB), is a wood-boring beetle that was discovered in Southeast Michigan in 2002. EAB is native to eastern Asia, and is believed that this beetle was unintentionally brought to the US in infested ash crates or pallets. The current EAB infested zone includes numerous counties of Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and adjacent areas in Ontario, Canada. The insect was recently discovered in Illinois near Chicago. EAB has already killed 15 million ash trees within the infested areas of Michigan alone. Federal and state quarantines have been imposed that regulate the interstate movement of ash material from infested areas.
Description: Adult beetles are a ½ inch long and slender. The wing covers are rough metallic emerald green, the rest of the body appears metallic golden green.
Damage & Symptoms: EAB attacks and kills all ash species and cultivars regardless of the tree’s health or size. Larvae damage the conductive tissues and restrict the trees ability to move nutrients. The first visible symptoms are thinning and dieback of foliage. After dieback, trees often grow a large mass of shoots below the infested area. Close inspection may reveal “D” shaped exit holes, vertical splits in the bark over the infested area, and serpentine tunnels under the bark.
EAB & North Dakota: At this time, no evidence of EAB has been detected in Minnesota, North Dakota or Grand Forks. EAB can move only short distances on its own, but by transporting infected ash materials, can move from one state to another in a matter of hours.
What can you do?
When camping, leave your firewood at home and purchase local campsite firewood. Only purchase what you will use. Burn all wood and do not travel with wood. When at home, only purchase from local firewood sources and burn wood within the season. Diversify your tree plantings (do not put all your eggs in one basket).
Recommended Tree Species: Linden cultivars, Emerald Luster Maple, Sienna Glen Maple, Unity Sugar Maple, Hackberry, Northern Pin Oak, Bur Oak, Japanese Tree Lilac, Crab cultivars, Cathedral Elm, Discovery Elm.
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