Elm trees form an important part of the City of Whitehorse urban forest and have been planted on both private and public land. These trees can very quickly become infected by elm leaf beetle which can weaken the health of an elm tree and it may never recover.
The elm leaf beetle was first discovered in Melbourne on the Mornington Peninsula in 1989 and quickly spread to the inner city suburb of East Melbourne. By 1994, the elm leaf beetle established itself throughout the eastern suburbs, including the City of Whitehorse. Council is responsible for 400 elms planted in reserves and as street trees. There are many more elms planted on private property, especially the popular Golden Elm.
Council uses elm leaf beetle control methods for Council trees. For private trees, it is recommended residents seek a qualified commercial arborist to apply chemical controls to their trees.
