Who Should I Contact if I See Dutch Elm Disease?

When Dutch Elm Disease is suspected in an elm tree, prompt reporting to the appropriate authorities is crucial for disease management and to prevent spread to nearby trees. The appropriate contact depends on the type of property and the local jurisdiction.

Primary Contacts

Local Government

Municipal Forestry Departments

City foresters: Most cities have forestry staff who handle tree diseases

Parks departments: Often responsible for trees in public areas

Public works: May handle street tree issues in smaller communities

First contact: Typically the appropriate starting point for urban trees

County Extension Offices

Extension agents: University extension staff with plant disease expertise

Diagnostic services: Often provide disease identification services

Educational resources: Can provide information on local management programs

Rural areas: Particularly important for trees outside city limits

State Agencies

State Forestry Departments

Forest health specialists: Professional staff trained in tree diseases

Regulatory authority: Enforce quarantine and management regulations

Statewide programs: Coordinate Dutch Elm Disease management efforts

Technical expertise: Advanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities

State Universities

Plant pathology departments: Research faculty with disease expertise

Diagnostic laboratories: Professional disease identification services

Cooperative extension: Educational and technical assistance programs

Federal Agencies

USDA APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service)

Plant Protection and Quarantine: Regulate interstate disease spread

Serious outbreaks: Contact for significant or unusual cases

Quarantine enforcement: Report violations of movement restrictions

Research coordination: Connect with national research programs

Professional Services

Certified Arborists

ISA Certified Arborists

Professional diagnosis: Trained in tree disease identification

Treatment services: Can provide fungicide injections and other treatments

Management advice: Recommendations for protecting other trees

Find certified arborists: Use ISA website directory

Tree Care Companies

Local expertise: Familiar with regional disease patterns

Immediate response: Often available for urgent situations

Integrated services: Diagnosis, treatment, and removal if needed

Insurance: Licensed and insured for tree work

Consulting Services

Plant Pathologists

Specialized expertise: Advanced training in plant diseases

Laboratory services: Professional diagnostic testing

Research connections: Access to latest management strategies

Complex cases: Best for unusual or difficult diagnoses

Specific Situations

Urban/Suburban Areas

Street Trees

Contact city forestry department first

Report location and symptoms clearly

Request professional inspection

Follow up on recommended actions

Private Property Trees

Contact certified arborist for diagnosis

Notify city if disease confirmed

Consider treatment options

Monitor nearby trees for spread

Rural Areas

Farm or Rural Property

Contact county extension office

Report to state forestry department

Consider professional arborist consultation

Implement preventive measures

Public Lands

Parks and Recreation Areas

Notify park management immediately

Contact state forestry if significant outbreak

Document location and extent

Restrict access if necessary for safety

Information to Provide

When Calling or Reporting

Essential Information

Exact location: Address or GPS coordinates

Tree description: Size, species (if known), condition

Symptoms observed: Specific signs noted on the tree

Timeline: When symptoms first appeared

Surrounding trees: Other elms in the area

Photos if Possible

Overall tree: Full tree showing affected areas

Close-up symptoms: Wilting leaves, branch dieback

Bark details: Any beetle holes or staining

Multiple angles: Various views of affected areas

Symptom Description

Key Details to Mention

Wilting pattern: Which branches are affected

Leaf color changes: Yellowing, browning progression

Branch condition: Dead or dying branches

Bark abnormalities: Holes, staining, or unusual appearance

Rapid changes: How quickly symptoms developed

Emergency Situations

Immediate Hazards

Dangerous Trees

Contact local emergency services if tree threatens property or safety

Municipal emergency hotlines for immediate hazards

Professional tree services for urgent removal needs

Large Outbreaks

State forestry departments for extensive infections

County emergency management for community-wide problems

Public health departments if public safety is threatened

Follow-Up Actions

After Reporting

Confirmation Process

Professional inspection: Wait for expert evaluation

Laboratory testing: May require samples for confirmation

Treatment recommendations: Follow professional advice

Monitoring schedule: Regular checks of treated or nearby trees

Documentation

Keep records: Save all communications and reports

Photo documentation: Continue photographing changes

Treatment records: Document any treatments applied

Cost tracking: Record expenses for possible assistance programs

Regional Variations

Contact Information Sources

State-Specific Resources

State forestry websites: Often have disease reporting forms

University extension sites: Local contact information

Municipal websites: City-specific reporting procedures

Professional directories: Local arborist and tree service listings

Regional Programs

Some areas have specific Dutch Elm Disease hotlines

Regional consortiums may coordinate management efforts

State-funded programs may provide assistance or services

Response Expectations

Timeline

Initial Response: Most agencies respond within 1-5 business days Inspection Schedule: Professional evaluation typically within 1-2 weeks Test Results: Laboratory confirmation may take 1-4 weeks Treatment Options: Recommendations provided after confirmation

Services Provided

Public Trees: Municipalities typically handle diagnosis and treatment Private Trees: Property owners usually responsible for costs Assistance Programs: Some areas offer cost-sharing or technical assistance

Prevention and Education

Community Programs

Neighborhood Reporting: Organize community disease monitoring Educational Workshops: Attend local tree care seminars Prevention Planning: Coordinate neighborhood prevention strategies

Ongoing Monitoring

Regular Inspections: Continue watching for new symptoms Early Detection: Report new cases promptly Information Sharing: Keep neighbors informed about disease status

Online Resources

Reporting Systems

Many states have online reporting forms University extension websites often have diagnostic services Some areas have mobile apps for tree problem reporting

Information Sources

State forestry websites: Disease identification guides Extension publications: Management recommendations Professional organizations: Finding qualified arborists

Bottom Line

Quick reporting to appropriate authorities is essential when Dutch Elm Disease is suspected. Start with local forestry departments or certified arborists, provide detailed information about symptoms and location, and follow through on recommended actions. Early detection and professional management significantly improve outcomes for both individual trees and community elm populations.

Related Information:

Disease identification: How Does Dutch Elm Disease Look Like?

Disease symptoms: What Are the Symptoms of Dutch Elm Disease?

Treatment options: Can Dutch Elm Disease Be Treated?

Prevention strategies: What Preventative Treatments Exist for Dutch Elm Disease?

Safety concerns: Is Dutch Elm Disease Harmful to Humans?