How's my elm tree?
July 8, 2016 8:07 AM Subscribe
I share a large backyard elm tree with my neighbors. Does it look healthy? Is there anything we should be doing to keep it in the best shape it can be?
I had this tree looked at by an arborist quickly when we moved here three years ago, and he didn't have any concerns, but my neighbors think that the canopy has looked less full in subsequent summers. It drops a lot of branches (especially after thunderstorms), but I can't say if the amount is cause for concern.
Today I was picking up branches and noticed some fungus growing on the bark. I don't see this on the main trunk but looking up, I can see it on other limbs in the canopy.
fungus
fungus
whole tree
We love this tree and want to do everything we can to keep it around for years to come, so any advice and/or opinions (especially proactive things that we can do or watch for) are welcome.
I had this tree looked at by an arborist quickly when we moved here three years ago, and he didn't have any concerns, but my neighbors think that the canopy has looked less full in subsequent summers. It drops a lot of branches (especially after thunderstorms), but I can't say if the amount is cause for concern.
Today I was picking up branches and noticed some fungus growing on the bark. I don't see this on the main trunk but looking up, I can see it on other limbs in the canopy.
fungus
fungus
whole tree
We love this tree and want to do everything we can to keep it around for years to come, so any advice and/or opinions (especially proactive things that we can do or watch for) are welcome.
I'd recommend getting an arborist out again. I'd agree that the pictures don't show anything that would alarm me, but talk to a professional - possibly a different one than you had out a few years back. Approach your neighbors and let them know you want their and your concerns answered, and find out if they would be willing to split the cost.
posted by Emperor SnooKloze at 9:58 AM on July 8, 2016
posted by Emperor SnooKloze at 9:58 AM on July 8, 2016
Yeah, my first thought on the greenish "fungus" was lichen, too. As mentioned above, keep on the lookout for Dutch Elm disease, as that fungus can be devastating.
The habit (growth pattern) of the tree looks healthy.
How do the leaves look? Do they have any spots or are they wilted?
posted by strelitzia at 10:57 AM on July 8, 2016
The habit (growth pattern) of the tree looks healthy.
How do the leaves look? Do they have any spots or are they wilted?
posted by strelitzia at 10:57 AM on July 8, 2016
I have an elm a good bit larger than that one in my front yard. It is beautiful, and it shades almost my whole house in the summer. I have the same lichen as well as resurrection fern growing on it.
I bought the house maybe 3 years ago, and noticed it was dropping some branches, it is in a stressful location very near the street also hemmed in by the driveway, and it has roots that go all the way under the house to the backyard. I'm on pier and beam, so this is fine, but it does not have all the root space it should.
I called Bartlett Tree Service after hearing some good recommendations in the commercial construction world.
Arborist came out, took soil samples that were analyzed much more thoroughly than anything the agricultural extension service does (Cost, 70 dollars if I recall correctly.)
They analyzed my soil, compare that to what an elm needs, and administer the customized fertilizer deep into the ground around the tree twice a year. Cost, about 300/year.
That tree saves me that much in electric bills in a couple months in the summer I figure.
Mr. Elm is MUCH happier now, branch dropping has slowed to a crawl, and the somewhat thin canopy is filling in.
You'd probably need to clear fertilizing on both sides of the fence with your neighbors. You have to really look to spot the holes after a feeding, and they disappear pretty quick.
posted by rudd135 at 5:06 PM on July 8, 2016 [3 favorites]
I bought the house maybe 3 years ago, and noticed it was dropping some branches, it is in a stressful location very near the street also hemmed in by the driveway, and it has roots that go all the way under the house to the backyard. I'm on pier and beam, so this is fine, but it does not have all the root space it should.
I called Bartlett Tree Service after hearing some good recommendations in the commercial construction world.
Arborist came out, took soil samples that were analyzed much more thoroughly than anything the agricultural extension service does (Cost, 70 dollars if I recall correctly.)
They analyzed my soil, compare that to what an elm needs, and administer the customized fertilizer deep into the ground around the tree twice a year. Cost, about 300/year.
That tree saves me that much in electric bills in a couple months in the summer I figure.
Mr. Elm is MUCH happier now, branch dropping has slowed to a crawl, and the somewhat thin canopy is filling in.
You'd probably need to clear fertilizing on both sides of the fence with your neighbors. You have to really look to spot the holes after a feeding, and they disappear pretty quick.
posted by rudd135 at 5:06 PM on July 8, 2016 [3 favorites]
Best answer: It drops a lot of branches (especially after thunderstorms), but I can't say if the amount is cause for concern.
Elms are kind of notorious for dropping apparently healthy big branches even on still days; as the old saying goes:
Elms are kind of notorious for dropping apparently healthy big branches even on still days; as the old saying goes:
Elem hateth Manposted by jamjam at 9:40 PM on July 8, 2016
And waiteth.
Which is simultaneously an allusion to its traditional use as the wood for coffins, I suppose.
posted by jamjam at 11:00 PM on July 8, 2016
posted by jamjam at 11:00 PM on July 8, 2016
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What you want to watch out for on an elm is wet spots on the bark. The Dutch Elm disease fungus clogs the xylem channels in the tree, blocking water flow up to the leaves, and resulting in wet, lighter-colored (or infected-looking) patches on the trunk, often at branching points. This page has a photo that is fairly typical.
posted by caution live frogs at 8:23 AM on July 8, 2016