Protecting our trees from the Elm Leaf Beetle

Published on 11 September 2018

Council will soon begin treating elm trees located in local streets, parks and reserves in Kyneton and Lancefield for Elm Leaf Beetle.

The annual control program will treat around 850 trees, aiming to protect elm trees from the pest, which feeds on the leaves of elm trees and defoliates mature trees. Trees that have been attacked present a distinctive round hole in their leaves and repeated infestations can seriously weaken trees.

While it is impossible to eradicate the beetle, Council has developed a preventative management program to protect significant stands of elms, which are predominantly in our parks and avenues.

Treatment will continue through October and November at locations including the botanical gardens in Kyneton, Gisborne and Tylden.

Treatment methods include spraying and injecting the soil around the root zones of trees with low toxicity insecticide. This safe and effective method of treating large trees tends to protect them for more than one season.

Council is a member of Friends of the Elms Inc. (FOTE), which maintains a state-wide elm register and helps local government and other bodies to manage threats to elm trees.

Residents with elm trees on their properties are strongly encouraged to register their trees by contacting FOTE via [email protected] or 0409 870 860. Please note: residents are responsible for treatment works on their own land.

For more information about Council’s Elm Leaf Beetle management program, call (03) 5422 0333.