The Great Falls City Forester is asking residents to watch for signs of Dutch Elm Disease (DED) in elm trees. Look out for yellowing or browning leaves on a single branch initially, along with wilted or curled leaves during the growing season. You may also notice dead branches spreading through the canopy and brown streaks beneath the bark of affected branches.
If you suspect your elm tree may have DED, please contact the Forestry Division at 406-791-8990 and leave a message with the tree’s address. While reports from across the city are appreciated, identifying affected trees in the boulevard district is particularly crucial.
Before trimming or removing a sick elm, please contact the Forestry Division or a qualified tree service for guidance. If an elm is entirely dead, City Code mandates that it must be removed. Additionally, you can help prevent the spread of DED by pruning dead branches during the winter and removing any dead elm trees from your property.
For pictures and more information on identifying Dutch Elm Disease, visit: https://extension.umn.edu/garden-problems/dutch-elm-disease
By Karen Anderson: July 22, 2026 – Great Falls, Mt
