When should elms be pruned in Northern Nevada?

Why elms get extra care

Dutch elm disease is spread by the native and European elm bark beetles, and the beetles breed in dead and dying elms. Montana State University Extension describes the disease and the beetles. A dead limb or a stack of fresh-cut elm with bark on it is a place for them to breed. That makes prompt removal of dead wood, and good handling of the cut wood, part of the pruning plan.

The disease page is Dutch elm disease. Siberian elm is common on older lots here, and what scorches it in summer is more often elm leaf beetle or drought; see elm leaf beetle.

Timing

For live elms, the dormant window in late winter is our rule for deciduous trees. Dead, broken or hazardous branches can come off at any time of year. Because the beetles breed in dead wood, a dead elm limb is better cut sooner than left hanging.

We have not found a Nevada Department of Agriculture source for the dates elm bark beetles fly here, so we do not give dates. If your tree is flagging, with a wilting branch in summer, call before cutting, and take photos.

Wood handling

Do not stack elm firewood with bark on near healthy elms. Our crew hauls debris away as part of the job; see what happens to the wood and chips for the options. Moving firewood has its own Nevada rules: don't move firewood.

Siberian elm and structure

Siberian elm also grows long limbs on a broad crown, and good pruning lowers the weight on the longest. See Siberian elm and the elm on every old Nevada lot. A certified arborist looks at the tree at the free estimate: 775.232.8243.