Tree Diseases
Dutch Elm Disease: A Silent Killer in Bloomfield Hills
| Feb 08, 2026
Dead and dying leaves from Dutch elm disease. | Joseph Obrien, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org
Dutch Elm Disease (DED) has been a persistent threat to the beautiful tree-lined streets of Bloomfield Hills, MI for decades. This devastating fungal infection, which originated in Europe and made its way to the United States in the 1930s, has claimed millions of elm trees across North America.
The Disease's Impact
In Bloomfield Hills, as in many other American cities, elm trees were once a dominant feature of the urban landscape. These majestic trees provided shade, beauty, and a sense of community. However, the arrival of DED changed everything. The disease, spread by elm bark beetles and through grafted root systems, can kill a tree in as little as three to six weeks.
Identification and Control of Dutch Elm Disease
Many Bloomfield Hills homeowners have taken proactive steps to combat DED. Fungicide trunk injections can be done that provide a high level of protection to these valuable landscape trees. Residents with elm trees on their property must be vigilant in identifying the telltale signs of DED:
- Wilting, yellowing, and browning of leaves
- Premature leaf drop
- Staining in the sapwood beneath the bark
Hope for the Future
Despite the challenges posed by DED, there is reason for optimism. Researchers, including those working with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, are actively seeking naturally resistant elm trees. At the same time, new varieties have been developed that have shown resistance to Dutch elm disease.
As we look to the future, Bloomfield Hills residents can play a crucial role in saving and potentially restoring the elm population. Fungicide trunk injections can be done that have proven successful in protecting most elm trees. Knowledgeable arborists will recommend holding off pruning elms until the dormant season when the bark beetles that spread the disease are not active.
If you need your elm checked for Dutch elm disease, or need pricing on a fungicide trunk injection, contact Owen Tree and Lawn Care at 800-724-6680.