It is difficult for the tree to close root wounds.

Pruning is one of the most important ways we can help an elm tree. Because of the threat of Dutch elm disease, special considerations must be taken into account. Unlike many other tree species, pruning must be done at a very specific time of year.

Size Pruning The only way you can stop the growth of an elm tree is to kill it.

Because open wounds attract the elm bark beetle (the major vector for Dutch elm disease), pruning should never be performed from about mid-April to late-July. Elm Tree Pruning. Elm trees should be trained to grow with a center leader. Tree pruning is recommended to preserve or improve the elm tree structure, vigor and life-span.

Tree pruning can reduce specific defects or structural problems in an elm tree to greatly lessen the risk of bushcutting.barted Reading Time: 5 mins.

Apr 11, UNL East Campus Landscape Services Manager Jeff Culbertson shows how to trim and prune Elm trees. Jan 15, As the weather in our Nation’s capital is growing colder the opportunity to prune Elm trees is fast approaching. Unlike other species of trees that can be pruned year round the Elm tree typically needs to be pruned during the coldest parts of winter to protect the tree from the deadly Dutch Elm disease. By pruning during the coldest parts of the season you provide your Elm tree with all the benefits of pruning Estimated Reading Time: 2 mins.

After the elm's structure is formed, you may still need to do some maintenance pruning.

Elm branches often droop at the tips, and lower branches can even touch the ground. Prune these back if you.