About 18 elm trees on Ōhinerau / Mt Hobson have become infected with Dutch elm disease and are being removed as a biosecurity measure by Auckland Council under the direction of the Tūpuna Maunga Authority.
Arborists will remove the trees on the north-eastern side of the maunga using a helicopter on Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 March. For safety reasons, all entrances to Ōhinerau / Mt Hobson will be closed to the public over these days.
Dutch elm disease is an extremely virulent fungal disease that causes infested elm trees to wilt and die. It is transferred via the elm bark beetle carrying fungal spores from tree to tree but can also be spread through root grafting. The disease can spread quickly and is nearly always fatal for the affected tree.
In New Zealand, Dutch elm disease is currently found only in Auckland.
No material from an infected elm tree can be transported within or outside of the Auckland region between the Bombay Hills and Albany.
If you believe an elm tree on your property may be infected with Dutch elm disease, call Auckland Council immediately on 09 301 0101.
Read more at http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/articles/news/2018/3/dutch-elm-disease-found-at-ohinerau-mt-hobson/