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A dead Elm appearance I've not seen before #380770

Asked December 30, 2016, 4:19 PM EST

I've cut a lot of dead elm which are easily identified by the large slabs of bark which have fallen, leaving a light beige smooth wood underneath. I have an elm which died over the summer this year but looks like nothing I've seen before. I've attached. The bark is simply gone, none on the ground, the wood is orange and looks almost shredded. Is this simply a form of Dutch Elm I've never seen before or something else? Thanks, Mike Weddle South Bend, IN

St. Joseph County Indiana

Expert Response

I am afraid I can't tell what's going on there. The number of holes seem to indicate a massive infestation of wood borers or woodpeckers going after the borers.

I would suggest contacting your county's Extension educator, Phil Sutton (<personal data hidden>) to see if he can identify this, or forward the photo to the plant diagnostic lab.  Please tell him Larry Caplan suggested this.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied January 01, 2017, 1:07 PM EST
Thank you Mr. Caplan. I will do that. Mike Weddle
The Question Asker Replied January 01, 2017, 2:54 PM EST

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