Wilmette was first invaded by Dutch elm disease (DED) in 1956. In September of that same year, the Village Board declared the disease a public nuisance and began an active control program to minimize the spread of the disease. Although DED is still a problem, our losses today are small in comparison to the peak die-off of the 1970s. Our current control efforts have kept the incidence of Dutch elm disease with parkway trees to a minimum.
The first noticeable symptom of DED is the yellowing, wilting and curling of leaves on the upper branches of the tree, which usually occurs between June and August. If you see these symptoms on American elms located on the parkway or private property, please contact the Forestry Division immediately at (847) 853-7600 in order to confirm whether DED is present. For more information, see also http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/howtos/ht_ded/ht_ded.htm
Wilmette Public Works