AP News, August 20th, 2007
Hybrid elms resistant to Dutch elm disease are being planted around town and around the state, the start of a potential comeback for the devastated species in Wyoming.
Dutch elm disease began wiping out large elms in the United States more than 70 years ago. The fungus is spread by beetles, and despite its name _ the fungus was first isolated in Holland in 1921 _ the disease is believed to have originated in Asia.
The Wyoming State Forestry Division distributed disease-resistant hybrid elm saplings on Arbor Day this year and last year, according to Mark Hughes, community forestry coordinator with the division.
"I've heard some reports back on those little trees," he said. "And they're doing pretty good."
Disease-resistant hybrid elms were first planted in Wyoming in Powell and Gillette about 10 years ago. Hughes said one hybrid strain called Accolade seems well suited for Wyoming's poor soils and short growing season.
He said Accolade elms are growing well in Douglas and Medicine Bow.
But elms remain harder to find in the West than in their native territory back East. While wholesalers may be able to supply elms to Wyoming residents, local nurseries might not.
Hughes suggested that homeowners check with local nurseries to see if elms can be included with their orders for next spring's trees.
The Cheyenne Department of Urban Forestry has been begun planting elm hybrids around Cheyenne. The city has been experimenting with two strains of hybrid elms, according to Randy Overstreet, assistant director of Cheyenne Urban Forestry.
"We're trying to just see how well they do," he said.
Still, Shane Smith, director of the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, said nothing compares to native cottonwoods for growing well in Cheyenne. Cottonwoods are the dominant large trees around town.
"There's all these controversies about the cottonwood: it drops wood, it gets disease, it's short-lived," he said.
"I contend it's like a cranky old uncle you just have to get used to and love. There's nothing that takes the place of the cottonwood in terms of stature, including elm."
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Information from: Wyoming Tribune-Eagle, http://www.wyomingnews.com
