SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS NEWS

St Andrews Church, Bowral. Elms first treated 1987

There have been massive numbers of beetles in the Southern Highlands District and rapid defoliation occurs from December onwards. Unfortunately they cannot be eradicated, but the damage can be controlled.

By 2017 Guy found elm leaf beetle had spread to Alpine, High Range, Mittagong, Bowral, Berrima, Burradoo, Moss Vale, Sutton Forest, Exeter, Bundanoon and Berrima and had attacked every Elm he stopped to look at. Wildes Meadow, Fitzroy Falls, Kangaloon and Robertson were the same.

When there is a significant build up of the beetle population, a 50 year old Golden Elm with a canopy diamere of 16metres can be completely skeletonised in 3 beetle generations ocurring over one and a half years.

Unless treated, every elm tree will be attacked if not decimated. Every leaf turns brown, curls and drops

Because all elms in the Southern Highlands become completely dormant, winter injections are not possible. It is prefered to have at least 50-60 percent bud burst from mid to late October throughout summer and if possible, into Autumn We can protect your tree for at least 4 years with a single treatment. The protection is regularly carried over into the 5th year

It is imperative to water your trees before injections and then water again weekly after injections take place for the best possible rate of chemical uptake.

WHAT'S HAPPENING ...

THE GOOD NEWS

Historic golden elm tree at St Stephens Anglican Church Mittagong. First treated 1987

CLIENT FEEDBACK

Diana Catterns

I moved into my old house in Welby / Woodlands February 2018, a few months later I realised my 80yr old huge Elm tree was being decimated I found out it was the Elm tree beetle!

Guy O’Donnell was recommended to me -he came ,quoted and then commenced treatment also treated a much younger Elm. All I had to do was water copiously (large water bill!)

Guy visited regularly to check on progress. It was worth it! The tree now looks magnificent also the smaller one. I am absolutely delighted as the tree is just beautiful again

Thanks Guy

Robert Maher

Guy, Thanks for calling around last week and providing an update on my elm tree.

Since my first contact with you by phone a couple of years ago and your subsequent visits, I have been impressed by and appreciated the professionalism you have shown in dealing with the elm tree beetle problem. Look forward to your next visit. Regards

Jude Mullens

Guy first treated our beautiful elm trees before we purchased our property in 2019. I first met him when he called in to check on them and this demonstrates his real interest and care for the trees he has worked on.

Guy has always been quick to reply to any query we have messaged him. He monitors the trees through photographs and visits the southern highlands to check on trees in his care.

He loves our trees as much or more than we do and it is reassuring to have him so available to answer any concern we have.
Moss Vale NSW 2023