Fall/Winter 2017

Testing and Inoculating Elm Trees on Governors Island

Almstead was on Governors Island, NY over the summer to inoculate the specimen and historic elms against Dutch Elm Disease. We were fortunate to be joined by Dr. Robert E. Marra, Ph.D., Associate Scientist, Department of Plant Pathology & Ecology at The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. He was there to conduct tests and sample elms that had been innoculated in the past against Dutch Elm Disease for potential internal decay. His primary goal was to evaluate the long-term effects of the innoculations to see if it has been detrimental or promoted decay. Preliminary feedback from his findings indicates that it hasn’t.

Dr. Marra used sonic and electrical impedance tomography to conduct the tests. The advantage of tomography is that it is a nondestructive method of assessing the internal condition of trees. It identifies cavities, rot, and incipient decay. Tomography uses sound waves and electrical currents, similar to CAT scans used in medical diagnostics, to detect irregularities in structure and composition as well as water content. It can result in a remarkably accurate depiction of a tree’s internal condition.

Almstead has found that inoculating Elm trees is the best way to prevent Dutch Elm Disease. Please contact your Almstead arborist for more information.