(A) Dutch elm disease is a shade tree pest and is defined as a disease of elm trees caused by the fungus Ophiostoma ulmi or Ophiostoma novo-ulmi, and includes any living or dead tree, log, firewood, limb, branch, stump, or other portion of a tree from any species of the genus Ulmus existing within the control area defined that has bark attached and that exceeds three inches in diameter or ten inches in circumference and could contain bark beetles or any spore or reproductive structures of the fungus Ophiostoma ulmi or Ophiostoma novo-ulmi.
(B) Control measures that may be taken to abate Dutch elm disease are:
(1) Use of fungicide. Fungicides may be effective in preventing Dutch elm disease when injected into living trees that do not already show symptoms of Dutch elm disease. Fungicide injections on private lands are optional and, if performed, are at the landowner's expense.
(2) Removal and disposal of trees. Prompt removal of diseased trees or branches reduces breeding sites for elm bark beetles and eliminates the source of Dutch elm disease fungus. Trees that wilt before July 15 must be removed within 30 days of detection. Trees that wilt after July 15 must be removed by April 1 of the following year. Diseased trees not promptly removed will be removed by the city at the landowner's expense. Wood may be retained for use as firewood or saw logs if it is debarked or covered from April 15 to October 15 with four-mill plastic. The edges of the cover must be buried or sealed to the ground.
(C) Definition of control areas. The control area for Dutch elm disease is defined as: all lands within the boundaries of the city.
(Ord. 1556, passed 1-3-2017)