Wintec arboriculture students lead frontline response to Dutch Elm Disease

An outbreak of Dutch Elm Disease in the Waikato over the summer saw the Wintec arboriculture team become ‘first responders’ to help to contain the spread of the disease.

Level 3 Arborist student Andrew Bevins stands in front of dead elm.

The disease is devastating, killing the elm trees it infects, and one of the most important control measures is to remove infected trees as soon as possible to eliminate sources of infection.  

Wintec level three arboriculture students were at the frontline of this response, removing infected trees in the Ōtorohanga and Te Awamutu districts.

Waipā District Council Arborist Planner, James Richardson, said the area had some of the best elms in the country, and it was very concerning to find the disease in the district.

“We had three cases over the summer, and it was a scramble to get on top of it. They were on private property which meant the homeowners would have had to pay for the removal as we aren’t able to use council money for trees on private land. So, the Wintec students being keen to help and learn was a big help to us, as well as the locals. It’s helped to keep the disease under control.” 

James said it was always a pleasure to collaborate with Wintec and the council was “super appreciative” to have the help of the students.

Students Cameron Fitzpatrick (on the left) and Lodi Amoore (on the right) hard at work.

“There’s definitely scope to do more with Wintec students, it’s great for getting them hands on education.”

He said now the leaves had all shed for winter they wouldn’t know if they had managed to contain the disease fully until October/November, but he was hopeful and enjoying the “grace period”.

Rob Graham, Wintec Senior Academic staff member for Centre for Applied Science and Primary Industries, hoped the prompt and efficient response by the arboriculture team would help to halt the spread of a disease that has killed an estimated 70 million elm trees worldwide. 

“We were proud to be at the frontline of the defense against this devastating disease and the students did a wonderful job removing the infected trees,” he said.

Student James Keith-Ericson cutting through the problem.

Learn more about studying arboriculture at Wintec at our Hamilton Gardens Campus here.