Pruning for Survival

 
URGENT - at the first sign of wilting leaves, cut off the affected limb where it joins the next limb or trunk. Paint the cut with suitable tree paint. 
Your tree will resist infection if you act quickly to keep it from reaching the trunk. DO NOT WAIT TO CONFIRM IF DED OR TO HAVE TREE
TESTED!  Delay may cost you your tree. Instead, cut off wilting limb or limbs IMMEDIATELY. If you do this, there is an excellent chance your
resistant Liberty Elm will not only survive but in a year or two new growth will have replaced the pruned area entirely. In some cases recovery 
has occurred after pruning off over 50% of the limbs because quick action prevented the DED fungus from reaching the trunk and blocking the 
water passages which is how it kills the tree. AGAIN, prune first and ask questions afterward if you want to give your Liberty Elm the best chance 
of surviving DED infection. On the slim chance it is not DED, your pruning will cause only a temporary set back as noted above. Play it safe and
prune as directed when any kind of wilting occurs. Remember to paint the face of the cut with tree paint so (a) it will not attract more bark beetles 
and (b) will prevent rot. The Warranty Card must be on file with ERI and trees suspected of loss due to Dutch elm disease must have the diagnosis 
confirmed in the ERI lab.