Last Tuesday, fellow Tree Steward Rose Sullivan and I made a home visit to Master Gardener Twila Driver’s property to examine an elm tree that had recently dropped a large limb. In case you aren’t familiar with the term, a Tree Steward is a Master Gardener who has completed an advanced course through Virginia Cooperative Extension to identify trees and tree problems and educate property owners about the best course to take to preserve the health and beauty of their trees. Sometimes we can do that successfully. At other times, we have to suggest calling a certified arborist to examine the tree and recommend a solution, which was the case in this situation.

While Rose, Twila, her husband Dean, and I were not positive that the tree is an American elm (Ulmus americana), we were concerned about the possibility of serious disease.

During the late 19th and early 20th century, American elms were planted in towns and cities, lending their shade and gracious appearance to American streets...