Farewell to the Chinese Elm

 Farewell to the Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia) that has graced our yard with shade and dappled light for many years. It has also provided sanctuary for the many birds and squirrels that make use of our yard throughout the seasons.

Chinese elm with broken branch (Summer 2021)

The Chinese elm was infected with Anthracnose, a slow-moving fungal disease that causes lesions on leaves, cankers on twigs and stems, and distorted limbs. Eventually the disease can surround a branch, causing it to die and then drop to the ground after heavy rain or wind. Our arborist monitored the tree for the last 20 years, and pruned as needed to keep the tree as healthy as possible. Over the last couple of years though, limb drop has become more frequent. This last summer, two limbs came down in a windstorm, revealing more cankers.

Two broken branches revealed more cankers and disease

The disease had progressed to a point where the tree was no longer safe and had lost quite a bit of its canopy from therapeutic pruning. Time to remove the Chinese Elm! Oakland is known for its trees, and protects them rigorously. We followed the city's procedure and applied for a permit to remove the tree. This request becomes public record, and citizens have several weeks to protest the tree removal. We posted our red card, to indicate the tree in question. The process takes about six weeks.

Permit request procedure invites public discourse

Our permit was issued with no protest, and a crew from Elite Tree Service removed the tree professionally and efficiently. A few days later they returned to grind the stump. I'm sorry to see the tree go, but I did feel a sense of relief that no more branches would be descending into the yard, or onto cars parked on the street.

Chinese elm stump

Remains of the stump after grinding

We requested the wood chips, and ended up with a nice pile of them. They will be recycled here on our small urban lot, and return to the land. 

Wood chips from the Chinese elm

Full view of the oak tree without the Chinese elm

Without the tree, we feel a little exposed to public view, but now have an opportunity to plant a new tree in the prepared area. Farewell to the Chinese elm, but your wood chips remain!